Older Dog health

Mettan

Just to say that we recently lost our beloved Dog Jodie to Chronic Renal failure (Chronic Kidney failure) aged 14 and a half. I'd just like to say to any Dog owners (or Cat owners) on the forum that if you've got an older dog (Large 6-7 - Small 8-10), seriously consider a once-yearly blood test and changing your dog's diet to one that's low in Phosphorus and in general, kinder to your dog's kidney's. If you're not sure about any of this, consult your Vet and have a Google for CRF in Dogs. Like many owners, we weren't aware of this condition until it was too late - after the blood test was done we hoped that intensive IV Fluid Therapy would give her considerably more time, but it wasn't to be - after 2-3 days of IV we brought her home for her final few days. We've been devastated by her passing away, and I'm just hoping that this post raises a bit of awareness for any other Dog or Cat owners out there.

Love you for all eternity Jodie........... and I'll be with you in heaven one day............ you meant the world to me.............

STEFANOS4784

Crapaud

You've got my sympathy, Mettan. A dog's a friend and member of the family.

I had to get my second dog, Glen, put down because of a similar illness. The vet had tried everything, but to no avail. I can still remember his mournful, big sad eyes as the vet led him into the back of the surgery, never to be seen again.

Although he was the family pet, he was really my dog. I cried like a girlie when I got home - more so than when any of my family have passed on.

TheBoyBilly

Got this to go through with one of my Staffs. Giz is a rescue dog and 15 years-old which is good for a Staffie by any measure. We've all just got in from the park and it is sad to remember how she used to bound about (sometimes with a massive branch in her mouth) and now she's reduced to just walking her way about. She can still growl if another dog approaches mind, bless her. I am giving her all the time she can get but in my heart I know it can't be long now. Julian Clary got to put the life span of dogs in Room 101 on TV, now I know why.
I am so lucky to have had these last eleven years with her, it's been a privilege.

beverick

TheBoyBilly wrote:

Got this to go through with one of my Staffs. Giz is a rescue dog and 15 years-old which is good for a Staffie by any measure. .

If it's any consolation we lost our Staffie cross in March. He would have been 18 in July.

Bob

Ieuanllan

Sympathies guys.

Stewie Griffin

Am sorry for your loss Mettan. I remember when our Dog was taken to the vets for the last time, called work and said that a member of my family had passed away and I wouldnt be coming in. Spent the rest of that day & one or two after that in the dark blubbing away 17 fabulous years we had him for, he was never in a bad mood, never too busy to come and say hello when you got home. If you had an odd sock, go to his bed and the other would be there, why? Never figured that one out . If I threw a tennis ball, he wouldnt just run off and get it, he would just sit there and look at me. Then when I went to go and get it, he raced me for it. I remember the way he used to sit on the stairs and wait for the poor postman in the morning. If cats get to heaven, its only to give Reagan* something to do.

*Got him from Battersea dogs home and that was his name.

synchronicity

Ricardo H

sorry to hear that, got it all to come a few years down the line.

My golden retriver is nearly 8 and it only seems like last week that we first saw him as a 2 week old pup. Alot of pedigree goldies only live till 12. got to make sure i have as much fun with him while i can.

He was so impressed with the kent stage of the 07 tdf that he's going down to the south of france for his hols next July, think i might join him !!

Mettan

Thanks all, and sympathies to anyone else in a similar situation.

Le Commentateur

Picking up the phone and dialling the vet's number -- that's the hard bit. When they're given the injection and put to sleep it's actually a relief to see them not in pain any more. But making that call to the vet for the appointment... :?

TheBoyBilly

Well, further to my last post, we've had to have Gizmo put to sleep. She came in from the garden this morning limping after yet another slight stumble. It was the time, my partner and I agreed. Le Commentateur is right - THAT call is the worst part. Looking at the notes on the computer while I settled the bill it seemed that my beloved dog was suffering the effects of old age and early sinility, so I know now that it was the right thing to do. She's gone but with her dignity intact which is a great comfort. We have just heard of a 15-month old black Staffie boy in need of rehoming so, once today is out of the way, we will take our other little dog along to see what's what. And so the cycle begins.
Goodnight Giz, God bless x

Mettan

Sympathies to you Billy and for Gizmo - and good luck with the new Staffie.

TheBoyBilly

Thank you Mettan, much appreciated. My other little dog is a bit confused to say the least and is off her food, so she must suspect something. They are, and were both of a sweet nature and loyal. This is a truly wonderful breed which I would recommend to anybody.

vermooten

Bummer Mettan. I bet Jodie had a lovely life, well looked after and loved.

st68

i lost my beloved rottweiler to cancer 5 years ago and to this day im still gutted you wont get a better companion she was my best mate so you have my full sympathy