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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Help please, elderly dog not right.

73 replies

Bunchofkeys · 01/03/2020 23:17

(Also posted in chat)
Dog is 14. Has been in good health but has seemed a bit senile during the last year.

About an hour ago he seemed a bit wobbly when we let him out and then just stood still in garden for about 10 minutes until I led him back in. He nearly collapsed on way in then just stood shaking and breathing fast.
We manoeuvred him onto his bed where he’s stayed. Breathing has calmed down but he’s still shivering.
Should I call emergency vet? Is there anything they could do for him that won’t distress him?
I’m sleeping (well not sleeping) downstairs with him.

OP posts:
Honeyroar · 01/03/2020 23:19

Call the emergency vet even if it’s only to discuss it/get advice. I’ve done that a couple of times and they’ve said do x or y and come in tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed.

Original poster
Bunchofkeys · 01/03/2020 23:19

When I’ve rung before (for a hamster Blush) you get a voicemail saying it’s only for serious emergencies. I don’t know if this is or not?

OP posts:
TARSCOUT · 01/03/2020 23:21

I would call the.emergency vet. Sounds like a little mini stroke but best seek advice. Let us know how it goes.

Innocentinfamy · 01/03/2020 23:21

Exactly what @Honeyroar says. Better to check than to regret not calling Flowers

Aloe6 · 01/03/2020 23:21

Yes it’s an emergency. I’d take him in not just settle for a phone call.

Honeyroar · 01/03/2020 23:21

I don’t know but if he’s nearly collapsed and you’re sleeping downstairs I think it’s worthy of a call. I’d call if it were my dog.

TARSCOUT · 01/03/2020 23:21

Yes I would say it might be.

Original poster
Bunchofkeys · 01/03/2020 23:24

Ok phoning now. Thank you

OP posts:
mineofuselessinformation · 01/03/2020 23:32

You're doing the right thing - it sounds like something's wrong.
I hope it all turns out well.

Original poster
Bunchofkeys · 01/03/2020 23:36

I’ve phoned and they have recommended giving him pain relief In case it’s something that’s hurting him, keeping him warm and seeing how he is in the morning. He’s looking around a bit now. I had a look at his gums when I gave him paracetamol and they seemed quite nice and pink.

OP posts:
TARSCOUT · 01/03/2020 23:39

Wee soul, hope he is better in the morning.

Honeyroar · 01/03/2020 23:42

That’s good that you didn’t have to take him in. Fingers crossed that you both get some rest and things are better in the morning.

Original poster
Bunchofkeys · 01/03/2020 23:45

I don’t know-he’s definitely not right. He’s got up and is now back to standing still panting.

OP posts:
Grandmi · 01/03/2020 23:48

I hope he is feeling better in the morning. Take him for a quick mot anyway!! I really recommend metcalm for pain relief and any kind of elderly related problems with doggies ..your vet can prescribe it for you .X

pigsDOfly · 02/03/2020 00:05

You sound really worried.

Sounds like he might be in pain. Have the pain killers had time to start working yet though?

If you're not happy about waiting till the morning give the vet another ring, might be better to take him in and let them have a look at him.

Hope he feels better soon.

Original poster
Bunchofkeys · 02/03/2020 00:10

I wonder if he is in pain in his legs somehow hence the reluctance to move/lie down? He does get stiff sometimes but nothing like this.
I’ve put him back on his bed so hopefully he’ll sleep now and feel better in the morning and I’ll get him checked over then.

OP posts:
Gingerninja4 · 02/03/2020 07:24

How is he doing now ?

Original poster
Bunchofkeys · 02/03/2020 08:17

I had to help him stand up and he staggered into the garden. Seems to be dragging back leg a bit and v reluctant to move.
Hasn’t eaten (that’s not unusual in the morning but can’t even tempt him with normal treats)
He’s booked into the vets as soon as they open.

OP posts:
TARSCOUT · 02/03/2020 08:47

Oh bunch what a shame. Just keep him warm and plenty cuddles till they can run some tests.

Original poster
Bunchofkeys · 02/03/2020 09:20

Vet thinks it’s his back-either a disc problem or spinal cord. Has given anti inflammatory tablets and nerve painkillers and has said just rest and cross fingers as even if it was something that could be operated on he wouldn’t be a candidate for surgery due to his age. Sad

OP posts:
TARSCOUT · 02/03/2020 09:28

Ok so you have a better idea of what you are dealing with. Rest and anti inflammatory pills may just do the trick. If it doesn't that's a thought for another day. Try to get some sleep both of you!

pigsDOfly · 02/03/2020 12:45

Hope he's, and you, are feeling a bit better today.

Yes, at least now you've got a bettter idea what you're dealing with and he's under the care of the vet.

It's awful when you don't know what to do to help a dog and it's late at night.

Wolfiefan · 02/03/2020 12:46

Hope the rest helps OP.

Original poster
Bunchofkeys · 02/03/2020 18:45

Well the drugs seem to have been miraculous! He’s still a bit wobbly around the back end but has been up and down and walking around the garden Shock.
Such a turnaround!

OP posts:
TARSCOUT · 02/03/2020 19:23

Aww that's good news then 😀