My dog is about 11 years old. He’s a rescue Lhasa Apso. He has long term problems with arthritis and acid reflux, which have been well-controlled with painkillers and probiotics.
In the last two months he has suddenly developed the appetite of a labrador, started foraging and scavenging, resulting in one emergency vet trip after he ate a packet of supplements meant for me. He’s put on about 20% of his body weight in that time and is always asking for more food. He is also drinking a lot more than usual, and is constantly restless. He’s much grumpier in general, too, and has even snarled at me once, and bitten more than once.
He’s also struggling with continence, both weeing and pooing. Most of the time it’s fine but we have started having accidents which has never been a problem before.
This week we saw the vet and he has had blood tests and scans which have ruled out both diabetes and Cushing’s disease. Still waiting news on Addisons or thyroid. But the vet thinks both are unlikely. The most likely outcome is no medical diagnosis.
He’s not happy. I am going to ask about maybe increasing his painkillers to see if that helps. But I just don’t know whether it’s kind to carry on like this, when he’s sort of okay, just not his normal self. Without any diagnosis or treatment it’s hard to see things improving. They aren’t terrible, but should I really wait until things are terrible? I’ve always said I want him to have the happiest possible life, not the longest possible life. And I don’t think he’s happy any more.