I have a large Rhodesian Ridgeback who will be 8 years old in March and a French Bulldog who is just 4.
Last night I tried to get them both to go out and do a wee about 10pm. The Bulldog trotted off but my Ridgie sat there, eyes open but upright with a vacant look in his eyes. He's done this a few times over recent months and has snapped at my daughter who is 18 when she tried to touch him. I have told her not to touch him again when he seems to be in this vacant place. He wouldn't move last night so I gently touched his shoulder and said his name and turned on me snarling and bit my finger leaving quite a deep wound and lots of bleeding.
A few hours spent in A&E, hand dressed and antibiotics given. However I am very shaken and now very concerned and will speak to the vet tomorrow when they open.
He's back to his usual docile waggy tailed self but this is not a good sign and seems to be an escalation.
He's also wee'd and poo'ed a couple of times overnight in the house which again is totally out of character but seems fine otherwise and eats well and bounces around on walks.
I had a Ridgeback previously who had a massive brain tumour and had to be put to sleep but with hindsight was behaving a bit oddly for a few months previously - although not this vacant, trance like state with aggression.
Just wondered if anyone had experienced similar. I will obviously deal with this, although not helped by him being totally vet phobic and can only be examined under sedation.
I can't have an aggressive dog that is a danger to me and others but it's broken my heart that my big soft baby is behaving so strangely.
My partner died in an accident nearly 4 years ago and this dog was my rock in my deepest darkest hours.