You know those cute little puppies you brought home? They were a lot of work, but the cuteness overload made up for all that, right? Well, they get old. We have two elder dogs, one just joined the elder club and the youngest is gaining on them.
We really didn't have too many issues with any of the dogs over the years. A couple mishaps that took them to the vet, but they were always pretty healthy.
Until...
When we first moved back here to California, the first incident was Annabell and Bailey getting into an argument under the bed over territory. The second was for Maddie when we found her in the hallway not able to get up. You can read about that on this blog post.
She's been back to the vet for check ups and it was time for her annual old lady exam. We found a vet closer to home and did not have appointments scheduled out six weeks, so I got on the books. Maddie is almost 90 pounds and not being able to jump, getting into the car is not easy. We get her front paws up and then lift her around her belly with a gentle push to get her up and in. The seats are folded down and a dog bed is ready so her ride is soft and safe.
The new vet was very attentive. Offered another option for her degenerative spine and hip issues. She's been on medication for pain since that visit in 2020. We had bloodwork done and he called me the next day wanting us to pick up some antibiotics for a bacterial infection. One of the side effects was loss of appetite. Well, she's quit eating. I'll be on the phone with the vet today to let them know and maybe get a different antibiotic.
Just a couple of days after Maddie had her visit and was alert, happy and full of puppy things she seemed to remember, Annabell decided it was her turn.
A couple years ago she went to the vet when she started walking along the walls and falling over a lot. Turned out to be a neurological condition that older dogs can acquire and looks like she was one. She was different after that first episode and we adapted to her behavior. She's always been happy and loving the things she always did, so we just went along with what she needed.
One day she came out in the morning, tail hanging down, which is a pretty good sign that she doesn't feel good. (All of the dogs do this) She was having trouble going potty. We started with the normal things to try and get her to go; pumpkin, no more kibble, more rice and veggies. Soon, though, she started refusing food. This never happens. Ever. I think she forgets she has eaten and started to let us know she wants food, so throughout the day she gets a snack; usually fresh veggies or fruit snacks.
I told the vet I'd be bringing her for her annual wellness visit, but didn't expect an additional issue. You never know if she's eaten something causing a blockage and that's dangerous. I caught her trying to eat a piece of mulch the other day, so you just never know.
This visit we met a different vet. He was also very thorough. He examined her much more than the other vet a couple years ago. We told her we called her Zombie dog because of how she'll just stand and stare for a long time several times during the day. She doesn't hear well. She doesn't see too well. And, honestly, I think she forgets what she's doing a lot. She lays on the floor in the bedroom and squeaks a lot. Little yips that brings us into the room to see if she's okay. She's really happy to see us! I think she forgets we are home and is announcing her displeasure that she's all alone. He explained more about her condition and addressed the bowel issues. The X-rays showed no blockage, just full. More pumpkin! She actually resolved that issue within the next 24 hours. She was so happy and so hungry! She's doing fine now. Cooing and chirping a lot still, but happy.
Then!
Ellie. Miss Needy. Miss 'fraidy pants.
This one started having loose poo.
A lot.
There could be many reasons for this. First, she doesn't eat until her Mommy eats. This means she rarely eats with the other dogs. I don't pay attention to this. She has her own schedule, she's certainly not on mine. She can also be a little picky when it comes to her food. It looks different. It's touching. (Breakfast food must be separated. Dinner food should be mixed just so.) Or she wanted scrambled eggs because Annabell got them and she didn't. Or she was miffed because Dad was out of town. Who knows?
But she quit eating and running outside to poo a lot. Kept drinking water, though. We kept a good eye on her and she was asking to go out less and less, so on Saturday we decided to go out to get some groceries.
We came home to quite the shit show.
Poor Ellie was probably anxious along with the tummy troubles and we actually thought there might be a little mishap or two, but this was more than a mishap. Let's just say that the washer, the carpet cleaner and the hard wood floor cleaner all got quite a workout, along with a roll of paper towels, rags and towels and continued assurance to Ellie that she wasn't in trouble. She looked so ashamed.
As of today she's doing better. Of course, Bill came home yesterday so all the dogs are relieved and happy that everyone is where they are supposed to be. We'll see how she is doing when she is moving around more. She's currently taking care of her human while she's sleeping.
Really don't want to have to take her to the vet, but will, of course, if necessary.
Meanwhile, I told this one...
...to behave herself and do nothing causing a vet visit! She's been really good since her medical issues from a while ago, so I really don't want her to feel left out, but stay healthy!!
That's about it for the doggy update for now. I think I hear Annabell squeaking. I better go remind her I'm home.
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