Please help. Need advice regarding my elderly rough collie

[Deidre]

I have a 12 yo rough collie (Brendan) who has slowed down considerably over the last 18 months and has been unable to jump on the bed the last 12 months. He was attacked by a friend's dog and developed an infection due to this attack, he was only bitten twice in the leg and I quickly disinfected it but this didn't help and a couple of days later I noticed that he didn't want to eat and was unable to get up so I rushed him to the vet and Brendan was quickly put on the drip and given antibiotics intravenously as well as rimadyl (I wasn't told about the rimadyl). He stayed at the vets for 4 days and then came home, he was a bit wobbly on his legs but got better over time (this all took place about 4 mths ago). I have him on glucosamine and a powder which is based on green lipped muscle. He is showing the same symptoms now except that he is eating but he has great difficulty standing so he spends most of his time lying down as he is very weak on his hind legs. He did his "business" whilst lying down this morning; I have spoken to the vet and was advised to put him on another course of antibiotics and this has been for the last 4 days but there is no improvement yet. I do not want to put him down as he is still full of life and tries to come near me when I am eating something and he doesn't look depressed. Please help me as I am feeling very depressed.

[gnwhite]

I'm am SOooooo truely sorry for your heartbreaking situation. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Deidre. I would follow the advice that your vet has given. You may even want to get a second opinion as well. I'm sorry that I am of no help, but know......... that I'm here for support. Good luck, and a heartfelt best wishes for a speedy recovery.

NJ

[Deidre]

Thank you so much for your kind words, gnwhite. I have just come inside after attempting to take Brendan for a walk, he managed for about 2 mins and then fell to the floor, it seems like his back legs are now paralyzed. I feel so helpless...

[BabyElephant]

Oh Deidre, I am so sorry that you are having to go through this. Unfortunately dog bites almost always turn to infection I have been told. I would take your vets advice. But I would also say that I often see a fellow dog walker that has a rough collie and she is 12 years old as well, she simply plods along and then goes to the floor - sometimes after only 30 seconds of walking. They took her to the vet to be checked out, and expected to be told the worse, but they run some tests and found out she had a thyroid problem. They are still trying to get the dose right but she looks a lot better and is a lot more active than she was.

What I'm trying to say is perhaps your dog has something other than an infection from the dog bite going on. Check with your vet and if you don't like what they are telling you then get a second opinion.

Good Luck & hugs coming your way.

[frankie]

Hi Deidre
So sorry to hear your news, but as BabyE has said there are possibilities that it could be something else. Anything is worth exploring.
Even if Brendan is not up to exercise any longer he can still have more time as a house dog if you have a place for him to do his business comfortably, and still get plenty of fresh air. It means that you end up doing more cleaning but it is worth it. Believe me I know with Fireking. He is wanting to go out less and less so we let him decide but mostly I clean up on the terraces and it makes you tired but we get to keep him longer. He is more than happy being housebound and there are things he can no longer do such as climb into my car but he is very contented otherwise.
Of course the decision becomes yours in the end but I would certainly try a second opinion.
Love and Hugs sent to you and Brendan
Keep thinking positive.
Frankie and Fireking

[sassynan]

Oh you poor thing, you must be going through H**L trying to decide what to do. I have no advice, I just wanted you to know how very sorry I am that you both have to go through this. I'm sure it breaks your heart.

[SalemWitchChild]

Very sorry to hear about your pup. I know not a pup.. pup at heart..

I'd get a second opinion as well. Were all here for you.

[Deidre]

Oh Deidre, I am so sorry that you are having to go through this. Unfortunately dog bites almost always turn to infection I have been told. I would take your vets advice. But I would also say that I often see a fellow dog walker that has a rough collie and she is 12 years old as well, she simply plods along and then goes to the floor - sometimes after only 30 seconds of walking. They took her to the vet to be checked out, and expected to be told the worse, but they run some tests and found out she had a thyroid problem. They are still trying to get the dose right but she looks a lot better and is a lot more active than she was.

What I'm trying to say is perhaps your dog has something other than an infection from the dog bite going on. Check with your vet and if you don't like what they are telling you then get a second opinion. -

Good Luck & hugs coming your way. - POST BY BABYELEPHANT



Thank you from the bottom of my heart, you don't know how much it means to me to have support at this time and your kind words have given me the strength that I so badly need. You are super xxx.

[Deidre]

Frankie, thanks heaps for your support, once again it means alot to have friends like yourself, even though you are half way across the world. Brendan has been a big part of my life for the last 12 years and I want to be there for him now that he needs me and for as long as he shows a will to live then I will let him live. Many other people that I know have suggested that I have him put down but I will know when the time is right and Brendan will let me know in his own way.

You are wonderful for taking care of Fireking but I don't know his history, could you fill me in please?

Loves and hugs to you and give Fireking a big smooch for me

[Deidre]

SalemWitchChild - thank you, it means heaps to know that I have such wonderful people that I can lean on.


SassyNan - It is very discomforting and quite frankly, depressing, to know that my friend of 12 years is not doing well, he became cantankerous in his old age and even bit my finger once and I now have a lifetime legacy to remember him by as my little finger does not look as it should, lol..but even so I wouldn't swap him for the world. Fingers crossed.