PLEASE,I need suggestions for my senior SHIH TZU

[rebel-rousing-at-night]

My girl Tessa is about 14 yrs. old.I have seen how she keeps making changes such as like she's in a different world and not very responsive.Now it seems worse every day and I'm taking it VERY HARD.She is starting to act like she hardly knows me.
I am starting to think her hearing has gotten really bad quickly which doesn't make since to me.Two nights ago she didn't eat all her food but normally she eats just fine as long as I make sure the food is soft.She acts like she doesn't know where she is and acts confused.She has started peeing in the floor instead of waiting to go outside.
I know she is old but I am having a very hard time with this as for some reason I have been so blessed that when I lost a dog it believe it or not it just died(and was old too) or vet treatments had quit helping and the only kind thing to do was put my dog to sleep.(oh,how I hate that but am so grateful for that option.)

I just thought maybe someone could offer advice as to any herbs,etc. or anything that has helped in a similar situation.

It's been over 10 yrs. since I lost one of my Shih Tzus and I'm not even close to being prepared for this road.

It's been a drain trying to keep one of my Siberian cats alive.Thank goodness between the vet and me he appears to be on a slow road to recovery.

 

[Kansaseq]

I'm sorry you are having problems with your girl. When was the last time she had routine bloodwork done? That might be a good place to start. It's possible she has some elevated kidney or liver values or something going on. You really need to start with your vet to rule out a medical reason for her behavior, then go from there. Good luck with her!

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

Sounds like age-related dimensia. In other words the dog is going senile. I'm no Vet but have had and seen several old dogs go through just what you are describing. There are medications you can put her on if this is what is going on with her. Your best bet is to get her to a Vet and they can do some bloodwork and go from there.

 

[rebel-rousing-at-night]

Thanks for the suggestions.I have seen she has dementia going on for maybe 2 yrs.It has just never been this bad.There is one vet here that does all animals but is not a specialist in any-IMO.
His expertise swings all over the place and I am never completely surprised when he makes a brilliant diagnosis or acts like the a** he can be too.
Yes,I can and have been to vets in all the surrounding counties.I have learned a lot about many offices.That is part of my problem.I've had many animals which = many vet bills with many different vets.Sometimes my pet has died without any diagnosis so it tends to make me reluctant to hurry to any of them.

Darn,I hate I just said that but it is the truth when you live in such a place as this.The options are not great in the medical field for animals or humans here.One vet and few ppl specialist.

I do agree about the blood work.I will plan to get her to him this week but I hope he will be in one of his rare nice moods.I will say that he and his assistant did a great job with my Siberian cat.He was there for almost a week and I have worked very hard with him too.It has only been just over 2 weeks ago that I called them about my cats poor progress and the vet told me that putting him down was an option I should consider.That was on a Fri.By Sun. night he was starting to eat even the tiniest bit on his own.Maxamo is still continuning to eat and drink by himself and I am so thankful.He is still in very bad shape but alive and seems happy.

I have another thought.I have a cousin that is "The Queen"of keeping older than dirt dogs alive.I will plan to catch up with her for suggestions.I know that this vet helped her with her last one and I think I remember her saying she was satisfied but I don't know the details yet.

I have gotten her on COQ10 but that is all so far.

 

[ultasol]

Go to the vet. There are drugs and herbals that can help, but it depends on the problem at the bottom of all of this. If it's liver, I have heard good things about milk thistle based liver medicines/supplements, but otherwise it won't do you a lick of good.

 

[JustAChickenLittle&More]

Rebel I know how you feel. My kids grew up with our dog, same breed. When we finally seen his quality of life going down, we knew what we had to do, but it made it no easier beleive me. Now...8 years later, we are seeing problems with our rottie mix who has stood by me through a bad illness one time. He has always been my buddy. But now he hip dysplasia, and I watch him having a hard time getting up. But yet he is still perky at times, and still waits for the grandkids to show up. He always has a kiss for them. I am trying so hard not to think of the day myself. We get so attached to our pets, just like children. I would definitely get the vets opinion on what is happening, and what he thinks is the best recourse. I wish you good luck and I send you my prayers. Just do whats best for her!

 

[Skyesrocket]

It's so hard when they start getting up there in age.
When my Aussie lost his hearing I thought it came on all of a sudden. Looking back I realized that the signs of hearing loss were there I just didn't pick up on them until it was really bad. Now, his vision is going too so it is even more noticeable.
I wonder if your gal had a stroke? That could make her act confused. You are right, she needs a vet exam. I'm sorry your choice in vets is limited. Ours is here too.

 

[ruthless]

Quote:
I know you are hurting and upset about an old friend that may not be with you much longer. But please remember to think of the dog also. Keeping an animal alive just for your sake is not always the best thing for the animal.

Yes, I have been thru it many times and it never gets easier. Dogs become a part of our everyday lives, our family, our best friends.

Just remember to spend some quality time with the dog and let them go in peace when the time is right. Give them the release from pain and confusion if they need it.

Best wishes that you find a medicine or treatment that will help your little dog.

 

[NottinghamChicks]

Quote:
I have a Border Terrier who is 13 and It's identical to what you are going through. She is deaf and barks all the time because she forgets what she wants and I think is confused. The vet said is is "doggie dimentia" and says there is a med for it. I chose not to place her on it.

My Hannah also started peeing and on several occasions pooping in the kitchen. Thank God I have hardwood and it cleans up nice. Because she doesn't know when she has to go I just keep her on a regular potty schedule and it helps. Right now she is on the back deck barking because she can't remember which way the door is to get back in, oh here she is now!

We just deal with her because she is old. I never punish her for an accident I just re direct her to outside. She eats really slow so I have to feed her seperate from the other two, and she can no longer roam the property becasue she gets lost. She was gone for three days last spring and thank God was found running with a Shepherd by the dog catcher her in town, 8 miles away! I cried every day it was aweful.

She gets a nice heated bed and baby asprin when she seems sore. She is happy and will still play on occasion, always up for snuggling, and loves her ears massaged! She will continue to decline and I will know when the time has come. I too am grateful for the option of euthanasia. She is my girl.

 

[hollyclyff]

I had a dachshund with canine cognitive dysfunction (doggie dementia). We tried the medication for it, but it made no difference for him. His symptoms gradually got worse over a four year time period. He got to the point that he began to growl and snap at us and was not himself at all. That's when we made the decision to euthanize him.