A very old stray {The Old Fella Story}
Went camping this weekend at a campground on the lake, had not been there for a few years. Once there I began to walk around looking at the different sites when I noticed a very old dog. He just lay t...
Forum Discussion
dturm wrote:
A couple of thoughts regarding Cookie:
Is this a real seizure or a syncopal attack (fainting) due to the heart condition? If it is only heart related, changing/adding heart meds may be useful, but in the long run this condition won't be reversed.
It's kind of unusual for seizures to develop this late in life unless there is another health issue causing the seizure (tumors or metabolic issues).
Regardless, a syncopal attack or seizure is usually not painful to the dog. As Dale said, they can be extremely fatiguing and post event most dogs do feel wiped out.
Regarding end of life issues, most times the dogs themselves will tell you when they have had enough. Just be tuned in to behavior and be sensitive to Cookie's needs.
You both need to come to agreement on final arrangements. The service we use offer a cremation and have an option where an amulet filled with the ashes along with the rest of the remains are provided. Most people who do this bury the remains but keep the amulet someplace special where there isn't a constant reminder. Just an option.
What she does when this happens is she lays on her side all stretched out with her legs also stretched out and she shakes and howls really loud, she also passes urine. It doesn't last more then 20-30 seconds. Then she will just lay there for a few mins before she gets up very slowly. Since these last two on Thursday nite and early Friday morning there has been no more. But she does walk very slow and her rear right leg is not moving normally. Even though she weighed in at 13.3 lbs she feels and looks like only skin and bones. She also looks like she is shaking a lot. She won't eat her regular food Hills Science Diet 7+ kibble, so we cooked her some chicken breast with no additives and she has no problem eating that. I just don't know if she is in pain. She does sleep all day and night. Her water drinking is still like it has always been and she comes and goes through the doggie door to use the bathroom. I just hate to put her down if it's not time.
