Miko's Health (updates and more)

[k9kreationz]

I wonder how much of this is stress from the move. You've only been in your new place for a few weeks and probably still have moving boxes you haven't unpacked yet.

Even though you and Koji are there with him, the smells are different. If he's loosing is eye sight and/or hearing, his sense of smell may have increased to compensate and the odd smells have him unsettled.

I don't know, it's just a theory on my part.

Do you think if I unpack and get more of the boxes gone, he'll be less stressed? I'm not unpacked at all. I'm not the type that cares so it just sits there. In all honesty, I don't think he's stressed. I think there's just less things in my bedroom (where he sleeps) that he can "trip over" so he can lie down (remember, he kinda has to trip over something to lie down, otherwise he circles forever).

The circling nor the leaning isn't any different from before I left. It's just something that breaks my heart. There's less things on the floor because I don't have anything. I guess I could go buy some cheap dog pillows and throw them around, it would probably help him a bit. I think I may try that (I tossed a lot of their stuff cuz of the flea issue).

I'm going to ask you a few questions simply to make you think not because I want to see you PTS Miko before he's ready...

1. WHY do you think he's not ready to go yet?
2. Does he truly have a quality life?
3. Are you certain he's not ready to go or is it you not being ready to let go?

These are tough questions to answer but ones we need to be able to answer as our dogs become seniors and age starts to catch up to them. The hard part is answering them honestly because, to answer honestly we have to set our hearts aside and answer with our minds.

I wish I had an answer for you, Cheryl. You will know when the time has come. I can't explain how you, and I've been there twice already, know but they definitely have a way of telling you.

I know this is going to sound really stupid as to why I think he's not ready to go....but here goes. Um, two animal communicators and a medium told me. The three of them told me the same thing. He said to stop thinking about him dying, he's not dying and he's not ready to go. Like I said, stupid, but they know things I don't. And I know the last one for sure would tell me the truth even if it hurts like hell.

I mean, when we go out for his short walks, he's slow, but he seems to like it (and he walks straight). I usually let him go sniff things and take my time. He may not bark like Koji, but when he wants dinner/breakfast, you can tell.

Quality of life. Sigh. I saw this online. The only areas that are yes's is the pain part (not sure how much I can do for him considering his kidney's. At that point, you'd have to weight trashing the kidney's for pain management that may or may not work - hence the acupuncture).

The area I'm unsure about would be happiness/mental awareness. There were times in the past year when Miko would initiate play with Koji, but it was rare. He's never been one who engages with you constantly. He's at the door when I come home, but I'm sure he's following Koji since he can't really hear. But he's there. He's never been a big toy player, and that ended years and year ago anyways. He is how he has been for years. When he's awake, he follows me around. If I sit down, he tries to lie down (the circling starts). He seems to still love getting scratches. He eats heartily.

Physically, I know he has to be in pain or uncomfortable. I honestly don't think I can put him through anymore acupuncture. He would be panting from the time the first needle was put in. But then, he also was better for about 5 days afterwards. Sigh. Do I stress him out for 5 better days? I have no clue if the Tramadol helps. It doesn't seem to.

I dunno. I really don't. There are lots of things that say, put him out of his misery. There are lots of other things to say, he does have a good quality of life still. The fact that he still follows me around says a lot to me.

 

[BarbV]

Only you can make the call and decide when it is right, but you have to keep yourself open to making the call, and not prolong his life for your personal reasons. It is the hardest thing a pet parent ever has to do.

I'm so sorry. I'm sure that you will ultimately make a decision that is right for your and your baby.

 

[Tabitha]

I'm so sorry Miko isn't feeling well. Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way. I know you will make the right decision that is best for you and him.

 

[Calliesmom]

I know this is going to sound really stupid as to why I think he's not ready to go....but here goes. Um, two animal communicators and a medium told me. The three of them told me the same thing. He said to stop thinking about him dying, he's not dying and he's not ready to go. Like I said, stupid, but they know things I don't. And I know the last one for sure would tell me the truth even if it hurts like hell.

I mean, when we go out for his short walks, he's slow, but he seems to like it (and he walks straight). I usually let him go sniff things and take my time. He may not bark like Koji, but when he wants dinner/breakfast, you can tell.

Quality of life. Sigh. I saw this online. The only areas that are yes's is the pain part (not sure how much I can do for him considering his kidney's. At that point, you'd have to weight trashing the kidney's for pain management that may or may not work - hence the acupuncture).

The area I'm unsure about would be happiness/mental awareness. There were times in the past year when Miko would initiate play with Koji, but it was rare. He's never been one who engages with you constantly. He's at the door when I come home, but I'm sure he's following Koji since he can't really hear. But he's there. He's never been a big toy player, and that ended years and year ago anyways. He is how he has been for years. When he's awake, he follows me around. If I sit down, he tries to lie down (the circling starts). He seems to still love getting scratches. He eats heartily.

Physically, I know he has to be in pain or uncomfortable. I honestly don't think I can put him through anymore acupuncture. He would be panting from the time the first needle was put in. But then, he also was better for about 5 days afterwards. Sigh. Do I stress him out for 5 better days? I have no clue if the Tramadol helps. It doesn't seem to.

I dunno. I really don't. There are lots of things that say, put him out of his misery. There are lots of other things to say, he does have a good quality of life still. The fact that he still follows me around says a lot to me.

You know that a lot of this is what Callie went through- she did not mind the acupuncture- it did help her and I wish that I had started it sooner.

My thoughts went to the highlighted sentence- if he's still eating, then he's not ready.
I've lost 3 dogs in the last 10 years and that was the key- even if the meals weren't eaten as quickly or thoroughly- the treats/cookies were still devoured. but when that wasn't happening anymore either..... well, no one made it past a week after that.

so throw some beds around and help Miko to settle when he starts circling

 

[k9kreationz]

You know that a lot of this is what Callie went through- she did not mind the acupuncture- it did help her and I wish that I had started it sooner.

My thoughts went to the highlighted sentence- if he's still eating, then he's not ready.
I've lost 3 dogs in the last 10 years and that was the key- even if the meals weren't eaten as quickly or thoroughly- the treats/cookies were still devoured. but when that wasn't happening anymore either..... well, no one made it past a week after that.

so throw some beds around and help Miko to settle when he starts circling

Thanks for this.

For those that asked, I had to really think if I'm holding onto him, but I'd let him go if I knew it was his time. I went through 7 years of my dad fighting cancer, trust me, if euthanasia would end Miko's pain, I wouldn't hesitate. When it was my dad's time, I was sad as hell, but happy to know that he was no longer suffering, so I don't have a problem letting him go if needed. I just just don't feel like it's his time.

If he didn't get so stressed during the needling, I'd continue, but I cant do that to him anymore. There's a vet here that does all different kinds of homeopathic stuff, so I may look into that. Again though, it's hard because if they don't do house calls, its counterproductive since car rides stress Miko out.

Tomorrow I'll go to Petsmart and Costco and see what things I can buy that I can throw on the ground.

 

[Ann]

I'm so sorry to hear that Miko isn't settling as you'd hoped in your new home. Many dogs don't like change, and this is a big one. Add his health issues, and it's probably not surprising he's having a tough time. Have you tried the homeopathics like Rescue Remedy or Anxiety Relief for him? I'm not sure what other meds he's taking, but maybe it would help him relax.

One other thought. If he's unable to settle, why not try using a crate for him. Some dogs feel safer and more ready to lay down in their "den." Lacey tends to be that way...whenever we have thunder and she runs around barking, as soon as I put her in her crate she quiets right down. Perhaps with a familiar bed in a crate he might relax faster, especially in new surroundings.

Sending you good thoughts. I hope this passes and Miko makes the adjustment soon.

 

[mellie]

Do you think if I unpack and get more of the boxes gone, he'll be less stressed? I'm not unpacked at all. I'm not the type that cares so it just sits there. In all honesty, I don't think he's stressed. I think there's just less things in my bedroom (where he sleeps) that he can "trip over" so he can lie down (remember, he kinda has to trip over something to lie down, otherwise he circles forever).

The circling nor the leaning isn't any different from before I left. It's just something that breaks my heart. There's less things on the floor because I don't have anything. I guess I could go buy some cheap dog pillows and throw them around, it would probably help him a bit. I think I may try that (I tossed a lot of their stuff cuz of the flea issue).



I know this is going to sound really stupid as to why I think he's not ready to go....but here goes. Um, two animal communicators and a medium told me. The three of them told me the same thing. He said to stop thinking about him dying, he's not dying and he's not ready to go. Like I said, stupid, but they know things I don't. And I know the last one for sure would tell me the truth even if it hurts like hell.

I mean, when we go out for his short walks, he's slow, but he seems to like it (and he walks straight). I usually let him go sniff things and take my time. He may not bark like Koji, but when he wants dinner/breakfast, you can tell.

Quality of life. Sigh. I saw this online. The only areas that are yes's is the pain part (not sure how much I can do for him considering his kidney's. At that point, you'd have to weight trashing the kidney's for pain management that may or may not work - hence the acupuncture).

The area I'm unsure about would be happiness/mental awareness. There were times in the past year when Miko would initiate play with Koji, but it was rare. He's never been one who engages with you constantly. He's at the door when I come home, but I'm sure he's following Koji since he can't really hear. But he's there. He's never been a big toy player, and that ended years and year ago anyways. He is how he has been for years. When he's awake, he follows me around. If I sit down, he tries to lie down (the circling starts). He seems to still love getting scratches. He eats heartily.

Physically, I know he has to be in pain or uncomfortable. I honestly don't think I can put him through anymore acupuncture. He would be panting from the time the first needle was put in. But then, he also was better for about 5 days afterwards. Sigh. Do I stress him out for 5 better days? I have no clue if the Tramadol helps. It doesn't seem to.

I dunno. I really don't. There are lots of things that say, put him out of his misery. There are lots of other things to say, he does have a good quality of life still. The fact that he still follows me around says a lot to me.

I think old age is hard to watch. DH works in a nursing home -average age is 82...many of the residents stare into space, their response time is very slooooooooooooooooow . Some of them wonder around aimlessly and much of what they say doesn't make sense to us. Some retreat into their own world of silence. But yet, they enjoy helping to husk corn and then eat it at mealtime and they work very hard knitting caps for the children of crack users unit at the hospital. They all participate at whatever level they can. So too with the senior pet. His circling could be from many things as you know. Are you still giving him a good dose of Tramadol so he isn't so painful ? Thundershirt and the crating sound like they could help him settle some. Does he settle on your lap or bed ? Maybe try teaching him some simple tricks to stimulate his mind- nothing really physical just something to draw him out of himself a little. I am sure his new home is an adjustment for him too. He has a very loving Pet Mom so give yourself a break. He is just living at his own pace.

 

[k9kreationz]

I'm so sorry to hear that Miko isn't settling as you'd hoped in your new home. Many dogs don't like change, and this is a big one. Add his health issues, and it's probably not surprising he's having a tough time. Have you tried the homeopathics like Rescue Remedy or Anxiety Relief for him? I'm not sure what other meds he's taking, but maybe it would help him relax.

One other thought. If he's unable to settle, why not try using a crate for him. Some dogs feel safer and more ready to lay down in their "den." Lacey tends to be that way...whenever we have thunder and she runs around barking, as soon as I put her in her crate she quiets right down. Perhaps with a familiar bed in a crate he might relax faster, especially in new surroundings.

Sending you good thoughts. I hope this passes and Miko makes the adjustment soon.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I have tried Rescue Remedy, but it doesn't seem to do much. The crate actually stresses him out more (he's not crate trained and only goes in it nowadays to go to the vet - so I'm sure he hates it). Maybe I'll try the Rescue Remedy again.

 

[The Quahog]

It all comes down to the somewhat corny but very valid idea, if you could ask him, and he could talk, what would he say.

However, there is an iron clad rule in play here. When we love our pets, as you so clearly do, we ALWAYS hang on too long. We NEVER let go prematurely. That is always, and never.

We do it because we love them so much, and the finality of never seeing them again is so hard as to seem unbearable, and no one can fault people for that. We have all been through it, and it is sovery very hard, but it is the deal we make when we adopt them.
But those who love their pets are FAR more likely to do them the disservice of hanging on too long, than that of letting go prematurely.

 

[k9kreationz]

I think old age is hard to watch. DH works in a nursing home -average age is 82...many of the residents stare into space, their response time is very slooooooooooooooooow . Some of them wonder around aimlessly and much of what they say doesn't make sense to us. Some retreat into their own world of silence. But yet, they enjoy helping to husk corn and then eat it at mealtime and they work very hard knitting caps for the children of crack users unit at the hospital. They all participate at whatever level they can. So too with the senior pet. His circling could be from many things as you know. Are you still giving him a good dose of Tramadol so he isn't so painful ? Thundershirt and the crating sound like they could help him settle some. Does he settle on your lap or bed ? Maybe try teaching him some simple tricks to stimulate his mind- nothing really physical just something to draw him out of himself a little. I am sure his new home is an adjustment for him too. He has a very loving Pet Mom so give yourself a break. He is just living at his own pace.

I wonder if a Thundershirt will help. I may ask my old trainers who use it a lot. They would know.

Unfortunately, Miko won't settle anywhere. If I hold him, he's okay for a bit, but then gets antsy. If I hold him in a perfect position then he can settle. But trying to get that perfect position, not so easy.

Lately though, he doesn't settle as long. He eventually lies down, doesn't sleep as long and doesn't stay down as long.

I'm not sure why, but the vet won't give me a lot of Tramadol. When I asked for a renewal, I got 12 pills (which I'm supposed to split into 4's, but then give it to Miko 2-3x a day as needed), which basically means it may last 2 weeks or more.

I have to go check out this new vet, so I may toss it at them too. I'd like to interview/talk with them w/o Miko being there first. To see how they'd handle it, treatments they'd suggest, etc.