King HD?My fears are coming live.

[doglovin]

King is going to be ten this yr,and as beautiful as he still looks,i am starting to face the fact that he has possible HD.
He was such a runner in his day,and loved nothing better than to race.He would race anything that could run,and beat it.I will never forget the day he out ran my standardbred mare.Within the last year,he has slowed down,infact he never runs at all now,and can barely keep a "trot" without being uncomfortable.
I have argued with my parents that it ISN'T HD,he is just getting older and showing his age a little bit.But i realize it is more than that.

Yesterday when i was helping him climb into that bcak of the van for his beloved car ride,his back sortof caved in,and he almost fell,but i helped him recatch hymself.He cry's in his sleep often,and whimpers when he try's to rise after a long nap.I haven't told my parents,this,but i am sure they alreay know.
This is so difficult.King has been on calcium boosters,and joiners for arthritis.And glucosamine.But something is still draggin him down.All he does is sleep on the couch all day,and this just ins't normal for King.
My parents mentioned to me for the 10th time yesterday,that King probably has HD,and remind me that they WILL NOT let a dog they love suffer.They say that if he continues to have more signs of pain,they will take him in.
Ten years has gone by so quickly.He was born when i was 6 and this year i will be sixteen.Is it really "that time"?And i always argue with myself "is he really in pain"?And Ten years is so YOUNG still!!!.But everyday, the truth that i have been trying to completly deny to everyone along with myseelf, is showing clearer.I am in despair.

Thankyou i just had to write this.For myself more than anything,i had to admit "outloud" what i see is coming!

[Dax]

You can keep him quite comfortable using baby aspirin and metacam and other drugs.
Dax has been battling this for a year now (she is also turning 10), some days are better than others. It's like us when we age.

I'll post more "managing" ideas tonite.

[Dax]

PS go back to the QUALITY OF LIFE test that Weim found (It's in the health forum sticky) My belief is that an old dog is allowed bad days without them being his last. Keeping him active (swimming), pain relief and there is even massage techniquest that can help.

[doglovin]

Say thanxs Dax!!

Do u think ten is "old" Dax?

We had a terrier live to be 18,and our golden to be 14.King has always been so healthy,so fit,even more so than them.It seems wrong that he is slowing down at only Ten,when they lived with a couple health disorders for so long!

Do u think its Just age?U know, just slowing down as u get older?

What point would u go to before u would "make that hard desicion"?

[Dax]

10 for big dogs like rottie's is old. I've heard of some rottis going to 14 years. My hope for Dax is that one day she'll pass gently in her sleep hopefully dreaming good dreams.

Pain management is one of the easiest things we can do for our dogs. Metacam even in small doses does wonders. I only give it to Dax when she's really limping which isn't very often. She's lost about 10 lbs and that has really given her back life in her step. At King's age it's not HD but age.

Now as he slows down - it's important not to let him get too fat.

[GretaJack]

I agree with Dax.

Part of owning a dog, is seeing them grow old. It is hard on all of us. But you have to take into consideration their quality of life (and I think I missed that thread, will read it shortly).

It could be HD, it could be old age. Alot of symptoms of crippling diseases are sadly also the sign of a young body turning old. I would recommend taking King to the vet, if he hasn't been there in the last 6 months or so for just a standard check up. Express your concerns to him and see if he might be able to find a way to make those concerns better.

And no matter what happens. Be happy you have had King for at least 10 years. And hopefully many more to come. I have to sadly admit, I have never had a dog live past 5. Makes me nervous. Greta will be 5 in July. So I have never had to live with an aging dog. I sure do hope that I get to someday. But I know it is not easy.

King will have lots of prayers tonight and nights coming. Lab slobbers for you and Kind and all your other family members

[Dax]

As for when I would draw the line for Dax - it would be when she can't come for a walk anymore. She lives for those moments outside with us. Even if only 1/2 hour at a time. I can keep her comfortable as long as she still shows she is enjoying life - she's going to be given every opportunity. BTW she does have quite a few health issues that King doesn't namely tumors, thyroid, etc.

[doglovin]

King is putting on more weight.Mainly because he is not "active" like he used to be.So this is a caution we have to be careful of.
King also has developed a stiff, off beat, gait to his walk.But not actually a limp,would u give pain killers for this?Or what about when he sleeps,and wakes up so sore?Should i give him a pill EVERY night?

King Hates swimming,so i doubt we will have much success with that.And he doesn't enjoy walk unless u insist on him coming.Should i push him to keep up his walks,even though he know longer enjoys them?

[GretaJack]

I would say if he no longer enjoys walks, then don't force him. See if there is another activity that he might enjoy more. Something not so physically demmanding.

And as far as pain pills, I would start off giving him one pill continuously for a week, then start backing off to find a comfort point. Meaning, how long after taking a pill does he start to show pain again? My biggest fear with pain pills is over doing it. If they feel too good, they can start acting puppy-ish and the push themselves to far in be in more pain the next day.

Duke was on pain pills and I had to monitor his activity greatly because of that reason.

[GretaJack]

Mentally stimulation is just as ejoyable as physically stimulation. Since he is putting on weight, it is time to reconsider his diet. Switch him over to a less active or senior dog diet. Or give less kibble and supplement with veggies.