Yesterday late afternoon went for a walk as usual with the dogs, Bonnie following as she always does with me waiting for her to catch up every so often. Got in the big field & I sat down when we got to the middle, Bonnie ambled over but a little way away from me, dug a little hole then lay down. Very unusual cos she doesn`t lay down unless she`s next to me. I went over but she couldn`t get up, I managed to persuede her to stand but she couldn`t walk so I carried her back to the gate, lay her down then ran back to the house got a wheelbarrow & blanket & ran back to her. I had to place her in it & push her back home then carry her into the house & lay her on her bed :( She wasn`t panting, didn`t seem distressed or anything just couldn`t walk :( She didn`t eat last night, just slept & I could tell she wasn`t in pain, she finally managed some lentil soup lunchtime today, then 2 eggs a couple hrs later. She went out & did no.1 & 2 a little way away from the house but again lay down & didn`t want to get up but I managed to coax her & she walked back in house albeit very slowly. She`s aware who we are & wags her tail when I walk past but wahts wrong

Vet came 2 ish today & can`t find anything wrong, heart is fine, colour good, not in any pain still I don`t know whats the matter except old age. She`ll be 13 in Oct. He`s taken some blood & is doing some tests in-house & he`ll get back to me later tonight with results. He`s asked me to consider vivitonin if results come back normal.

Just happened straight away, 1 minute she seemed OK next she couldn`t walk :( :(

Can't offer any suggestions, Christine - but I do hope that she recovers soon :) You have enough on your plate now, anyway. Sending a big hug as you must need one (even from me, LOL :D ) :)

Daisy

Just a thought - perhaps she had a mini-stroke ??

Takin all the hugs I can get right now D, thanks D  :D

Yes he said maybe something like that :( 

I mean she`s not paralysed or confused or anything, she can get up, just a minute ago she got up off her bed & walked a few steps to the side of the sofa & lay back down again on the hard floor :rolleyes: but its worrying :(

She`s my first Lab & my bestest girl, we`ve done loads together, travelled all over Spain & Portugal, she took to staying in hotels like it was what she was born to do :D  she`s taught me lots too :) oh now she`s just gone back on to her bed!! Going to see if she wants a drink or anything :)

my dog was 1 she went through spells of going 'off the legs' and nothing showed up on x-rays or through examination.  It was only missy's back legs that went (and they went for up to 2 days) and after many different vets, one concluded that it may be something like a trapped nerve and the signal wasn't getting through to her legs.  Like your dog she didn't appear to be in any pain but the main difference was that it usually happened to missy after she had been sleeping.  the poor wee pup could only move around commando style by using her front paws and I had to hold her up to pee and poo.

Christine - hope all goes well - as Daisy says, you've got a lot on your plate at the moment {{{hugs}}} to you all - and lets hope that Bonnie can be made comfortable and enjoy her twilight days - and many more of them.

Margot

Thanks M :)

If the initial results come back ok I`ll try her on vivitonin. I`ll make sure shes comfy & make the most of each day as it comes. As long as she can walk enough to keep herself clean we`ll be alright :)

Hi CH/CH :)  she doesn`t collapse, just lays down calmly & can`t get up after she`s been walking yesterday she walked quite a bit to get to the big field but today it was only a few yards, how was it determined your dog had a trapped nerve & is he ok now? Hope so :)

Hi Christine, it was never really determined through tests, but the vet that thought that was what it was couldn't offer any other explanation as nothing showed up on the tests.  The strange thing was that as soon as she got to the vets she made a rapid recovery.  she hates the vets and gets really anxious but it was like the fight or flight reflex kicked in and she found her legs again - which of course made me look like a neurotic owner (again!).

She made a total recovery despite this happening repeatedly over a period of approx 6 months.  It's very scary but she didn't seem too bothered by it.  hope you get an answer soon and fingers xed it's nothing serious.

Glad it sorted itself out ch/ch, know all about how they can make you look an idiotic, neurotic owner ;) :D

Bonnie just got up again & sat by the door so I took her out on the lead. This door leads out by way of a ramp & as we we`re going down it all 4 of her legs splayed out & she went down on her tum :( I helped her up & she wanted to continue so we went on the lawn & she did a pee. I then found a nice sunny spot & sat down, she lay down with her head on my lap for a while :) Then she wanted to go in so she walked in with me, had a drink & is now back on her bed.

Her legs are going, think I know where this is leading :( 

I`ll make sure I make time each day with just her & me, sit on the lawn together & enjoy her for as long as shes with us. It`ll do us both good (especially me) to "chat" away like we used to.

Sorry Bonnie is giving you cause for concern, Christine, I hope the vet can sort out something to help her get moving again. At least she does not sound in any distress so I hope if your time does have to be limited you can continue to enjoy each other company for a while yet.  I think it does help when it does happen to come to terms with these things when you have had time to adjust and get those moments together to "chat" :)

Hi I, thanks a lot :)

No she`s not distressed at all but maybe a little down & yes, its a great help to have time to come to terms with things, sit outside together, relax & chat with each other :)

We`ll see what the vet comes back with, he said he`d ring about 5.30 pm but he hasn`t yet, must be busy.

She`s a very independent spirit, strong willed & determined madam, you can see it when she`s off to do her business so long as she has the determination to do that without being in pain or distressed I`ll be at her side to help :)

This is hard!!!! so going off out again with the others.

Hi Christine
Sorry to hear about Bonnie :(  I don't have any advice but just sending lots of positive thoughts and best wishes for a speedy recovery for her and love to you guys too :)
Maria
xx

Hi M, thanks a lot :)

It looks like she`s lost/losing the strength in her legs, not sure if theres anything to rectify that, think its an old age thing :(

But the vivitonin may help :)

I'm saying the same thing. I don't have any useful ideas but I hope everything goes well. At least she doesn't seem in any pain so everything crossed.

hope things are not as bad as the thoughts going through  your head at the moment. Will keep my fingers crossed for  you.

My old boy was on vivitonin and cod liver oil really did give him a boost (he was nearly 16 when we lost him)
Maybe the warmer weather has had an effect my lot are doing a lot of panting eventhough its not that hot.
Usually they become incontinent when the legs are going as they loose control and have little accidents which is what happened to my boy .

Oh dear I am so sorry to hear this poor girl :(

I do hope the Vivitonin works for her :)

Take care

Lucy
xx

Ohh Christine, LOTS and LOTS of cyber hugs and cuddles wending their way to you! I don't know what's wring, but you're in my thoughts and prayers Hun XXXXXXX love Dawn XXXXXX

Christine, I am sending you all the warmest wishes that I can. It seems the light may be calling for your lovely doggy soul mate, and now you have time to spend, talking about old times and sharing that love. We don't always get chance to say 'see you over the bridge'.
I hope your beauty recovers, and all thats needed is a little medical help. Enjoy the sun, enjoy the time. xx

sending lots of strong legged positive thoughts to your girl. 

I can't offer any suggestions, but hope the vivitonin works too and am sending positive thoughts. I'm glad she doesn't appear in any discomfort though. It's horrible when our oldies start to fail :(  I do hope this turns out to be something easily treatable.

Hi guys & thanks so much :)

As you know I went out with the others & took my time then when we came back it was time for their dinner. Vet rang while I was out & spoke to Bern & here`s initial the results of blood test.

Acute anemia.
High count white blood cells.
Short of protein.

Kidneys fine.
Heart fine.

Anaemia & lack of protein, with the long walk, could have caused collapse due to lack of oxygen.

Keep Bon as quiet as poss with little walking as possible. He knows she`s fed well & doesn`t know whats caused this anemia or lack of protein. He`ll try & call in tonight or tomorrow.

So thats the message I got!!

As it turned out I decided to give her just pig heart meat cos thought she was too weak to tackle the half chicken they were all having :rolleyes: but I did also pput in some fillet steak that was a few days old ( it was meant for me but didn`t feel like it) so she had that as well & scoffed the lot as luck would have it I`d done Bern some poached cod in watercress sauce for lunch & he didn`t manage all of it so she`d finished that off as well If I`d got the message earlier I`d have give her the chicken but never mind, Bern thought best to tell me when I was less busy :)

I took her for another little walk after she`d eaten & she did a long pee, she was a little bit *brighter* I think as well, then she came back in had another drink of water which is a bit more than usual for her got on her bed & is now asleep again :)

Big question is whats caused anaemia & lack of protein oh yes also vet said *possibly* just be old age.???? He knows my dogs & their diet & is happy with it. My first thoughts are whats causing the lack of metabolism of protein???  I`ve already increased her & Toffees (she`s my other oldie, same age as Bonnie, medium sized mongrel) meat meals & they both also get to clean up the kitchen in the mornings of anything the 2 cats & us humans leave!

Any ideas folks, I`m a bit shocked, also brain a bit numb cos of Berns illness. Know whats high protein food but what could be causing it lack of it when her diet is pretty rich in it????????? Oh & for the last few mths beef has overtaken pork in their diet, alternated with fish, heart, chicken etc.

She is getting it but her body isn`t metabolising it why?

Lacking enzymes?

Which ones Val? Thought she was getting plenty, its all raw except from our leftovers, what do you think, maybe enzyme supplement???

But why now, could she just need help cos of her age?? I don`t trhink this happens overnight does it, wouldn`t it have taken a while to build up the lack of them??? or could it happen quickly??

I don`t know

Possibly protease in particular.  As we (all) get older our organ just aren't as efficient and we sometimes need extra help.  Have a word with your Vet about the possibility. :)  They often prescribe digestive enzymes to older dogs and some younger ones too. :)

Thanks val, will mention it to him later :)

am going to do a bit of googling see if I can jog my brain into working & if I can find anything :)

I'm so sorry that you are being faced with this worry. Try to stay positive though and be strong. You have a result from the tests, so you know something can be done. If the results had come back negative you would certainly have cause to think about her crossing the bridge,.... but not yet, not now. These old girls just love scareing the pants off you don't they? When they were young, they could walk out in front of traffic or clear off across the fields without stopping. Now she's an old girl, she has this to worry you with instead.

I think you need to have a chat with your vet.  What I am wondering is, is the anaemia and low protein a red herring?  Is this something our oldies plod around with anyway?  It's the high white cell count that I am wondering about, does that perhaps mean an infection brewing that's just making her feel a bit off and perhaps these white cells are already getting to work but maybe some antibiotics?  Have you checked her temperature?  All this is just musing really, will you be speaking to your vet tomorrow?  I hope she continues to perk up :)

Christine, when my "oldies" reach 11  years or thereabouts, I let them decide upon their exercise - I know that I'm fortunate in walking directly from our house onto fields = sometimes the oldies have come right the way round, sometimes they have just putterered around, near start of the walk, and then waited until we've done our "circuit" - however long it takes, and then accompanied us home - sometimes they've done the full circuit - which is probably about a mile, travelling direct - more if you are an energetic dog who has to rush off in front, then back, then forward, then behind - you know the score.    Maybe, once she has staibilised, this is what will happen with Bonnie.

I remember Purdey, getting to the field gate sometimes, and just sniffing around it - looking at us - telling us to go on without her - and when we'd get back there, maybe 30 minutes later, she'd still be puttering around, checking up all the scents.

Of course, by that time, we didn't take her on any of the energetic walks - just the 30 minuite ones.   We're starting on this same routine now with Thor, as he too sometimes just doesn't want (or can't cope) with the "biggies".

Margot

Hi Margot :)

Thats what I do too. I`m like you & walk straight out into our *garden* (in my dreams, more like an exercise course, dodge the holes :) which is fenced off from our bigger field so she has the choice to come with us or not. Sometimes she walk half way down then turns back & she just stay on the terrace in front of the house & waits for us to come back. I don`t put a lead on her cos she can find her way about very well & she hates it being on!! likes to be independent :) Of course I`m putting one on her now tho.

She`s not any better this morning & she had 1lb 4oz pig heart with about 6oz steak for dinner last night, earlier in the day 2 beaten eggs, a good helping of lentil soup made from chicken stock, a couple oz`s cod in water cress suace & skin from salmon! I know she`s getting protein but don`t know why her body`s not utilising it :(

have to speak to vet later :)

Margot

I echo excatly what you have said when it comes to how I have treated my two oldies

Mars I learnt and with Min I knew what I had to do :)

Lucy
xx

Yes I know but pretty sure he won`t come tonight now so hoping he`ll call in or ring tomorrow Isabel. Yes high whites are usually cos fighting infection. Temp was normal last night & also today when he took it so nothing showing there He`s very good & will get back to me if he had anymore to tell me, he knows I`ll keep her quiet & tranquil till he knows more:) Just have to be patient I guess!!

One thing tho I thought her gums were paler than usual last night but bit better this morning, then when vet arrived & told him he did`nt, he thought was ok coupled with reflexes etc??

Yes I`m musing as well, thinking out loud hoping to hit on something!!!!

But she`s flat out, fast asleep & comfy right now. Fed watered & having happy dreams I hope :)

Lets see what tomorrow brings, off to make Berns supper now so will say g/night & see you all tomorrow, thanks everyone :)

Morning guys :)

Well Bon had a good night, she woke up 1.40am & barked, her way of letting me know she wants to sleep in the b/room so got up & guided her in (some of you may not know she`s blind) & she settled on bed at side of our bed. She stayed there all night sleeping. Took her out this morning, only a dozen paces in front of house & she had to lay down again, after a few mins coaxed her to get up & she did all her business, got to front of house & down she went again, let her rest again for few more mins then she managed to make it into the hall were she went down again & while I was changing back into my slippers she wet herself :( :( :(. Got her onto her bed & shes still there now.

Bern has high protein drinks from the hospital so have just given her some to drink & she dranks it without getting up.

I`m really worried, don`t know what this could be :(

((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))

Thabks c/s :)

Just spoke to vet, asked him if it could be haemolytic anaemia, he said its a possability or a cancer as her protein levels are very low. He`s in his clinic now & he`ll be round later this morning. He`s ruling out any infectious diseases like babesia or erlichiosis etc but results for them take a couple more days.

Whatever it is she`s a poorly girl right now :(

http://www.vetinfo.com/dencyclopedia/deimha.html

Hi all heres the update. Vets put her on anti anaemic tabs (iron) & also folic acid tabs. High prednisone & a general anti-biotic. He doesn`t believe she has an infection & he`s not bothering to test for those diseases she`s showing no other symptoms. Said he would if I wanted to but not worth it, I`d just assumed he was cos hes pretty thorough.

His *instinct* its a tumour in the abdomen, if not then possibly haemolitic aenemia. Theres an internal loss of blood somewhere :(

He`s hoping she`ll stabalise with the medication & we can scan/xray her in a day or 2 & try to find the cause of this loss of red blood cells & protein.

The high steroids & supps are usually given for tumours or h/anemia anyway so heres hoping she improves soon. I`ve already been & picked them up from duty chemist & given them to her, half in a quail the other half in some salmon pate :)

She`s quiet on her bed, wags her tail when I walk past so she`s comfy & isn`t in pain or panting or anything. Quite happy being fed by hand & having water taken to her & she managed to go out for a pee & back in again under her own steam. Only just stopped being Berns hand maiden, now I`m Bonnies :rolleyes: :D

ps she`s also had one of Berns hospital high protein puddings & she ate it all so her appetites good

Glad to hear she is coping well and even seems to be improving on the mobility front :).  I think giving all these various support therapies really are your best option aren't they.  Hopefully whatever it is they will give her more quality time and even if you did know for definate what the actual cause was what else would you want to do with a lass of this age?  Support and TLC I reckon and clearly that is what she is getting plenty of :)

Thanks I :)

Theres not a lot I`d put her thru at her age, no definately not! I suppose you always hope by getting a definate diagnosis it`ll be something easily treatable tho, grasping at straws really for something simple.

Yes, looks like these are the only options. I want her to keep her dignity as well, shes always been a clean girl & independent. absolutely hates having the lead on since she went blind, likes to show off she knows her way around as well as or better than the rest of em :) We`ve just been out for another little piddle break & she`s walking a little stronger, more alert already, drugs have kicked in pretty quick!! When we came in she headed straight for the kitchen looking if there was anything to clean up, she found a piece of cheese & a little bit of salmon & she`s sitting by the door waiting for her dinner right now :D

I`m more hopeful right now we`ll still get some more days together on the lawn chatting away :)

ps thanks all, I`ll keep you updated :)

Ohh Bless her Christine...I'm glad she's making some way forward...keeping her in my thoughts and prayers! :D

Oh Christine so sorry to hear this after all you've been going through recently.  Thinking about you at this time as I have a dog the same age.

Take care.
Diane

Christine you are showing so clearly how much you love Bonnie

Let her tell you when she has had enough as I am sure you will be able to sense it ;)

My heart really goes out to you as know how much you are hurting but the last ever way to show how much you love them is the hardest thing you will ever have to do :(

You have shown so much strength over the last few months and you will keep showiing that as what ever happens Bonnie will always be in your heart ;)

Lucy
xx

Sending you and Bonnie hugs and positive thoughts - you know her better than anyone Christine and she will trust you to do whatever is best for her.

She certainly has a good appetite - it is obvioulsy her Mum's cooking :)

Maria xx

I wish you would nurse me Christine,.....all that lovely food and fuss! Just wonderful!

Ohh Christine, I'm really sorry to hear this, lots of positive thoughts and prayers for Bon's speedy recovery coming from us lot.  ((((hugs)))

Thanks guys :)

I know you all know how hard it is, I`m just trying to keep it together which is also very difficult! You know Friday was the first day for ages I felt a feeling of happiness, I`d gone to the hospital in the morning to pick up some supplies for Bern & an old friend of his came to stay overnight in the afternoon & I`d left the 2 of them chatting while I took dogs out for a walk. I swear Bonnie waited till she knew I could cope........think this would have truly broken me if it`d happened a few wks ago or even last wk!!

I`m off to take her to do her business for the night & then its bed for us all, so goodnight & thanks for kind words & thoughts folks :)

xxx

Bonnies had a good night, tho on her outing last night she couln`t quiet make it into the house so had to carry her in. Didn`t think she`d be able to hold it during the night but she did then she managed to go out & come back in herself this morning. Then she trotted off back to the bedroom, where Berns still in bed & lay down, what a pair of lazy bones!!  :rolleyes: :D

I`m hoping she`ll improve a little more as the days go on & the preds build up :)

Sending positive thoughts Bonnie's way. Hope she bounces back.

Thinking of you both.

Ohh a good night, well done! can I come and live with you while I get ove my knee replacement???;) My hubby is knackered being my slave! LOL Glad she's a bit better Hun, love Dawn X

Been away for a few days, so just caught up. Thinking of you all :) :)

Daisy

Thanks guys :0

Another quiet night last night, in fact all she`s done is sleep, eat & out for piddles. She`s also managed to go out & come back in under her own steam since yesterday morning :)

One thing tho is she hasn`t opened her bowels since Sunday morning & I`m getting worried, she normally goes twice a day :(

Am waiting to take a sample, when I went back out to take it on Sun. morning I couldn`t find it!, could`ve kicked meself

Gave her some porridge & couple pieces wholemeal bread yesterday, then 1000gm extra of vitC last night with an orange but still nothing

Lets see if anything *moves* today.

Hi christine,
My old boy was on predisilone ,phenobarb, vivitonin and cod liver oil it worked wonders for him he would only potter around very slowly toilet then sleep but he was happy with his little routine we also had the occasional play where he would give us a toy to throw for him then he would sit and watch the other dogs running around quite happily.
just give  it time for the tabs to kick in.