Beach Posted March 22, 2004 Share Posted March 22, 2004 I have a 12-13 year old Boxer. She was perferctly fine up to 6 weeks ago. Then she started to change fast. By now she is blind on one side. Turning in circles to see where she is. Disoriented. Walks into things. Restless. She follows me everywhere and walks around all night. She pees in the house sometimes not knowing what she is doing. She does not remember what she did 2 seconds ago. I had her blood checked. Everything looks great. I am so scared. How much does she actually know now? Remember? Recognize? How can I help her? I don't want to lose her......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellieangel Posted March 23, 2004 Share Posted March 23, 2004 Aww sweetie I really feel for you it sounds like when my Mum's dog had a stroke,he was just as you describe :( unfortunately they couldn't help him and he was put to sleep :( . K's post was spot on. Let us know how you get on :wink: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
__crazy_canine__ Posted March 23, 2004 Share Posted March 23, 2004 My dog was a large breed so for her to live to 11 was well appreciated by my family and I. She suddenly got sick and went downhill from there. Like yours, she got VERY disorriented. She had seizures and began losing her vision and even memory. She could barely walk anymore. She was older than me at the time so she was like my older sister and I lived my whole life with her. I understand you dont want to give her life up but look into her eyes... if you dont see the same look of love and pleasure in life she once had, you'll know what decision you need to make. I know when I looked in my dog's eyes, it was blank. Im sure she'd lost part of her memory of me, couldnt see well, and was utterly confused and scared. It was heartbreaking to see her like that and I must say anyone who would make their dog live through that, just so they can spend more time with their dog, is just selfish. Im sure you arent and believe me Im not directing it at you, not at all!!! So just take time to think about your dog's quality of life, as K said, and think if she would really want to live that way... Ooo, that made me so sad writing that! :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marion Posted March 23, 2004 Share Posted March 23, 2004 It brings back so many sad memories. :( I too feel for you. :cry: I agree with advice above God Bless in whatever you decide,(((hugs))) and only you can do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beach Posted March 23, 2004 Author Share Posted March 23, 2004 You all pretty much confirm to me what I have been thinking. I will actually try a couple of more things. First medication. They had something on TV about K-9 disorder signs. The dog they talked about had almost all the same signs and after taking Anipryl for two weeks he was back to normal. I also got an appointment today with a specialist. May be she a brain tumor and it can be removed. I am not trying to torture her but I have to try everything possible. She deserves it. I found her and she protected me for 8 years. After today and may be a few more days of medication I will make my decision!!!!!! Thanks for the support. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beach Posted March 23, 2004 Author Share Posted March 23, 2004 I wanted to attach a picture of her but it won't let me. I guess there is a trick to it.... I will keep you posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imported_Cassie Posted March 24, 2004 Share Posted March 24, 2004 I feel so bad for you...I have had many of my dogs live well in their upper teens. My oldest was my husky who lived to be almost 17, and he walked into the vet the day I decided it was time....and one of my Newfoundlands was 15 when I put her down. We can do alot through nutrition to help our aging friends...including feeding a high quality organic food, and either making sure it contains or add to it some digestive enzumes and probiotics supplements...this will help your older friend absorb nutrients from food and break down and eliminate the waste. A good essential fatty acid supplement should be added to the diet as well...this will help support and protect the liver and immune system, while aiding in the produciton and maintenance of healthy skin, coat, bones, muscles and nervous system. Your vet can also help you with a good diet which is best for your dog. One of my Newf's had gone through some of the same problems you are experiencing after he suffered a stroke...I fed him a good diet, stayed cheerful around him (nothing worse than a human that is feeling pity to put an animal in a down mood) I gave him herbs and supplements and had another 5 years with him. Oat tops serve as an excellent nervous system tonic that can be fed on a daily basis to help imporve and regulate nerve transmission. In dogs who display diminished mental clarity or odd behavior that is attributable to brain dysfunction or any neurological functions of the brain can be assisted and some times improved with the use of ginkgo, gotu kola, or peppermint. In some cases St. Johns wort may be useful...but, this should be left to a holistic vet who is familiar with your animal. I wish you all the best for you and your furry friend...and I know that we as care givers will try every thing to prolong the life of our animal...the biggest decision we have to make is when it has become a question of quality of life... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beach Posted March 24, 2004 Author Share Posted March 24, 2004 I actually have been giving my dogs vitamins and 3V cabs and good dog food. Natural Balance Duck and Potato. A long time ago I fed them Solid Gold. I do give them what ever I eat as well. May be that is bad but I don't really think so. as long as I watch their weight. And I had them tested for Parvo and Distemper - titer test - and especially my girl's results came back very high. She is very healthy and does not need any shots. But here is an update. I went to see a specialist. She told me that she has classic signs of a brain tumor. She made an appointment at Texas A&M for me for tomorrow morning. They will do the CT and then decide if surgery is an option. I asked her if I just torture my girl or if it is worth a shot. She said if the tumor is on the outside of the brain she has a good chance. And if she does not make it - I tried. Otherwise I will have to put her down in the next few days for sure. So, I will take her to A&M. I guess I kinda feel like I should as long as their is a slight chance of saving her......I know more tomorrow!!!! Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marion Posted March 24, 2004 Share Posted March 24, 2004 Good Luck, will be thinking of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duke_3 Posted March 24, 2004 Share Posted March 24, 2004 DOnt worry i think everythign happens for a reason, and your boxer was ment to be this way and I think if your boxer does need to go, that it was have had a great life!!! This dog is like 12-13 thats old. Most dogs dont live that old, some live past but most only live up to that which is great!!! I also argee with the above posts, welcome to dogo..:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beach Posted March 25, 2004 Author Share Posted March 25, 2004 Texas A&M found out that she is very very healthy from the neck down. They wanted to make sure that the tumor is JUST in the head. They wanted to keep her to do the CT scan and then decide on surgery. I took her home. The reason.......they only get to do surgery once a month or once every other month. That tells me that they do not have much experience and that most people don't put their dogs through it. Also, when I asked about success rate - no answer...... My boyfriend actually called me at 6 am and told me he is coming with me. That was the best help. We both thought the same - she is too old and too dear to us to be tortured like that. So, my girl is home with steroids. If they help I will know by Saturday morning. If not I will let her go in peace and she can join her friends and play without ever being in pain again............ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellieangel Posted March 26, 2004 Share Posted March 26, 2004 What a wonderful owner you are,I pray that the steroids will help her......I will be thinking of you :wink: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marion Posted March 26, 2004 Share Posted March 26, 2004 Good Luck and once again God Bless. In our thoughtsxxxxxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
__crazy_canine__ Posted March 26, 2004 Share Posted March 26, 2004 My dog had a brain tumor too but I hope it works out better for you. Best of luck and Ill pray for you and your little girl! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beach Posted March 29, 2004 Author Share Posted March 29, 2004 Not so good news. I watched Roxy walk and walk and walk and never resting on Friday from 5pm to 11 pm. When I made her lay down she was whining and got back up. She was too tired to chew a bone. That was it. I took her in on Saturday and put her to rest. The only thing I can hold on to right now is - how peaceful she looked. Like...."I can finally stop walking". I miss her so much but I know that this is what she wanted and needed. As long as she still had some dignity left and was able to walk on her own. She is deeply missed and always will be. She was the best I ever found in my life. When I found her she was so badly abused that she dropped every time I lifted my hand to just get something. We had 8 great years together. She saw many places when we went on vacation together. Or boating outings on the lake. Thanks for all your support in the last few days!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marion Posted March 29, 2004 Share Posted March 29, 2004 I'm so sorry for your sad loss. :cry: Be comforted in the knowledge that you gave Roxy a good and happy life. And that you did the right thing for her at the end of that life. :angel: :angel: Rest in Peace Sweet Roxy :angel: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beach Posted March 29, 2004 Author Share Posted March 29, 2004 I would really like to attache or include a picture of her. How does it work? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marion Posted March 29, 2004 Share Posted March 29, 2004 Go to the "Pictures" section. It tells you how to post photo's. Look forward to seeing a pic of Roxy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beach Posted March 30, 2004 Author Share Posted March 30, 2004 I think I finally got it. We had snow in Texas on Valentine's day this year. The last pictures I got from her......I added one picture with her man. Yesterday when I got home from work he was all wet around his eyes. He has that a lot right now. Do dogs cry? I actually believe they do!!!!! I hope you enjoy the pictures. She used to look like a "real" Boxer with no white in the face. Living with me must have been tough!!!! She was the BEST. http://groups.msn.com/Dog-O-Maniaphotohosting/roxy.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=967[/img] http://groups.msn.com/Dog-O-Maniaphotohosting/roxy.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=972[/img] http://groups.msn.com/Dog-O-Maniaphotohosting/roxy.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=975[/img] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellieangel Posted March 30, 2004 Share Posted March 30, 2004 It takes a brave person to do what you have done. Rest easy Roxy :( I'm so soryy for your loss,she was a beautiful girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted March 30, 2004 Share Posted March 30, 2004 I'm so sorry for your loss. She was so beautiful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beach Posted March 30, 2004 Author Share Posted March 30, 2004 So, how did you get the picture to show in the body???????? She was special - just like everybody's dog is special to them. It was the toughest thing I ever had to do but knowing that this is what she needed makes it easier to live with. Makes it easier to accept. BUT every time I am at home I think she will walk by mey at any time now. Being away from home is a lot easier!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marion Posted March 30, 2004 Share Posted March 30, 2004 She was a beautiful girl :iloveyou: Life is strange, I lost my mum recently and a couple of times a week after I've had my tea and washed up I sit down to relax and think "I'll give mum a ring" before I realise I can't anymore. :( But these things pass (I hope) although you never forget those you've loved, animal or human. :iloveyou: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imported_Leanne Posted April 10, 2004 Share Posted April 10, 2004 She was very cute, sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beach Posted April 14, 2004 Author Share Posted April 14, 2004 So far it is still hard. I think I put myself into a dream world for a while. Not wanting to realize that she is gone. Imagining she is with a friend. But she is not. A friend sent me an email about a Boxer needing a home. He looks just like her when I found her and it broke my heart. Not ready for that one yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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