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.
If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.
The doghouse
My dog bit me
TigsytheTiger · 01/01/2019 13:23
I’m so sorry to read this OP, hope you have a peaceful weekend spoiling and making lovely memories with your boy. 
Love and hugs to you both from me and my 7 year ridgie. They've got such big hearts we don't get long enough with them
Oh I'm so so sorry....what awful news. Will be thinking of you over the weekend. Spoil that boy rotten
Im so very, very sorry. You are doing the kindest thing for him but it must be heartbreaking for you.
Sending you all lots of warm wishes and a hug. Give your lovely doggie a big squeeze from me. Thinking of you 
I hope you have spent as much time as you can with each other this weekend. He knows you care. You are a very brave person. Thinking of you
Thinking of you and your precious boy . I'm sure you smothered him with love.
Don't know what to say so I'm sending you a warm, virtual hug from a stranger who completely understands
Also a virtual stranger sending you a virtual hug. I'm so sorry...been thinking about you all day.
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