Poor Loki!
Yesterday, Loki started tilting his head to one side and as the day went on, he started getting clumsy and stumbling around and refusing to eat. I called the vet and they said it's most likely vestibular disease, which can be caused by an inner ear infection, swelling of the brain, hypothyroidism, cancer, or it can be idiopathic (no apparent reason), especially in old dogs. Most likely, it is either an infection or simply a sign that he is aging.
He has also been showing signs of arthritis (as I said in my other thread). He's been licking his joints after walks and has been refusing to jump over the baby gate. He's also a little slower getting up from lying down and Noah says he's been having to help him get over obstacles on their daily walks sometimes.
I made an appointment for him on Thursday, so we'll see what the vet says.
I'm starting to feel sad as Loki's age is becoming apparent. I guess dogs tend to deteriorate quickly because of their short lifespans, so it just kind of snuck up on me. I'm sure he still has a year or two left, but I think he's officially an old man! At 8 years old, I suppose it's not abnormal, it's just jarring to suddenly be made aware of his mortality, especially considering he was the first dog I ever had, so I've never had a dog die before.
He has also been showing signs of arthritis (as I said in my other thread). He's been licking his joints after walks and has been refusing to jump over the baby gate. He's also a little slower getting up from lying down and Noah says he's been having to help him get over obstacles on their daily walks sometimes.
I made an appointment for him on Thursday, so we'll see what the vet says.
I'm starting to feel sad as Loki's age is becoming apparent. I guess dogs tend to deteriorate quickly because of their short lifespans, so it just kind of snuck up on me. I'm sure he still has a year or two left, but I think he's officially an old man! At 8 years old, I suppose it's not abnormal, it's just jarring to suddenly be made aware of his mortality, especially considering he was the first dog I ever had, so I've never had a dog die before.
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Ugh, I don't know how to phrase this nicely, but a friend thought his dog had this recently. Unfortunatley the dog had actually had a stroke.
I am hoping for much better for Loki, my thoughts are with you and Loki.
Watching pets age is not an easy thing to do.
Aww, Heidi. With the exclamation point at the end of the title of this thread I was thinking it was going to be something cute. Now I'm sad.
Think of this as a new chapter in Loki's life...a new beginning to something great. And remember what a great dog he is.
And damn it, quit it with those misleading titles!
That must be the hardest thing when you have a pet - or the 2nd hardest - it's worse when they die unexpectedly at a young age. I personally don't feel there much difference between grieving for a human or feline/canine loved one.
The point is that you've had him for 9 great years where you've made each other happy and that's what counts.
Big good luck for the vet appointment! Hugs!
Heidi, I have seen a 13 year old Chow with severe vestibular disease to the point where she couldn't walk come into this clinic and make it through and is still alive. I believe it all happened because of severe bi-lateral ear infections that the dog was having for many years. But anyway she is alive and well so don't be thinking the worst just yet. Hopefully the vet visit will shine more light on what is exactly going on with him and why this is happening. Don't be afraid to get a second opinion if you feel the vet's diagnoses doesn't sound right. Good luck with Loki, I'll be thinking about you!
Thanks for the encouragement. I'm just hoping that he bounces back and has a few more years left.
Brandon - I read about dog strokes, and you might be right. I noticed today that he's drooling out of the one side of his mouth and his lips are droopy on that side of his face. That kind of worries me.
*huggies to you and Loki*
as you've noticed, i suck at words of encouragement. im a hugger
It turns out Loki did have a stroke. He's getting better every day, regaining balance and seems to be comfortable and happy. There is definitely something different about thim, though. He seems a little slower. He is slower to react to things and seems confused a lot of the time. The right side of his face is drooping and he still has a head tilt. He still isn't very coordinated and has been quite sedate. He spends most of the day lying in the driveway or on the porch. He's eating now that I've started mixing his kibbles with wet dog food.
The vet told me to make sure he keeps improving, especially his eye. When I took him to the vet, his right eye was turned down and was having difficulty focusing properly. His focus is getting better, though. We'll see how things go as his brain heals and he recovers. The vet told me there aren't any treatments (unless the stroke is a symptom of another disease, which it doesn't appear to be) and no real way to prevent another stroke beyond keeping him comfortable and healthy. The vet also told me that dogs need treatment within three hours of having the stroke for any benefit to occur, but by the time you notice your dog has had a stroke, it has already been three hours. The dog can't tell you what's going on and the owner really only notices the after effects. He is very likely to have more strokes, and it will probably be the cause of his death eventually. I find it frustrating, feeling like there's nothing I can do.
It's kind of like having a different dog now, which will require some getting used to. I'm happy that he's still alive and he still seems to be enjoying life. His tail is still usually wagging as he keeps an eye on what we do around the property and relaxes outside getting lots of sun. It's sad to see a friend deteriorate, but I have a new appreciation for the time we've had together and the time I have with my other dogs and family members.
I'm sorry to hear that too.
I was thinking about this last night and was wondering what the outcome was. It worried me that something catastrophic had happened that might have caused you to not let us know. In that light, this is actually not bad news.
It sounds like he is comfortable and happy to be with you which is all that you can ask for, regardless of a dog's age or health problems. Keep us updated.
man, I'm sorry. Poor guy, but as the others mentioned he is improving so let hope that continues!
Im so sorry to head that Heidi. But im glad that he is improving and recovering. It must be really hard to take in, but he seems to be happy and comfortable, which is awesome. I think you're doing a great job. I hope he keeps improving and hopefully recovers from the stroke 100%.
I'm so sorry too. Give her lots of hugs from me hope she improves soon!
Hugs
Loki suddenly stopped eating and drinking. He was doing so well. His balance is great and his eyes are focusing normally... then it seemed like he just gave up. The day before yesterday, he refused to eat anything unless I handfed him wet dog food and yesterday he wouldn't eat or drink at all. I have an appointment in half an hour.
He looks terrible. His eyes are sunken in and he's acting like he's in a deep depression. Yesterday he didn't even want to be inside with his family at all, he just wanted to sit alone outside and not eat or drink or even move. This morning when I woke up, I thought he was dead. His eyes were glazed over and it took me a while to even get him to move. I immediately got myself and Isaac ready and we drove into town and got the soonest appointment possible.
This is not looking good.
I hope the appointment goes well - keep thinking positive!
Man, poor guy - Don't give up Loki, you were doing so much better!
Keep us posted as to what your vet says. Jen and I will thinking of you guys. Give Loki some love for us.