My Big Boy

[Vickie]

I took Zeus in for a check up this morning. He just doesn't seem himself. He didn't want to get out of bed this morning which is very odd for a dog who rarely leaves my side. He has been panting a lot lately & looking very stiff.

Good news is that the vet said his heart & lungs sound normal & clear. We did bloodwork & will see if that shows up anything.

The vet seemed to think he has some spondylitis which would certainly fit with some of his recent behaviours.

My feeling is that he's just getting old, but hopefully there is something we can do to make him a more comfortable.

He's such a funny boy but so special to me in so many ways. I know his time is coming & it fills me with dread .

[Kelly_Louise]

I took Zeus in for a check up this morning. He just doesn't seem himself. He didn't want to get out of bed this morning which is very odd for a dog who rarely leaves my side. He has been panting a lot lately & looking very stiff.

Good news is that the vet said his heart & lungs sound normal & clear. We did bloodwork & will see if that shows up anything.

The vet seemed to think he has some spondylitis which would certainly fit with some of his recent behaviours.

My feeling is that he's just getting old, but hopefully there is something we can do to make him a more comfortable.

He's such a funny boy but so special to me in so many ways. I know his time is coming & it fills me with dread .

Doesn't it? I know how you feel... I know my old girl Chloe doesn't have a long time left, and the thought of her not being here just kills me inside. She is my heart dog.

I just enjoy everyday I have with her and try to make her as happy as possible!

I do hope that nothing significant turns up for Zeus... perhaps it's just the change of the weather or he's just feeling a bit off. Does he take anything for arthritis or joints? Perhaps if he's already on natural sources it might be time to try medication for his off days to keep him comfortable? Chloe has quite bad arthritis but only needs to take Previcox on her bad days which aren't that frequent. They work really well and no side effects that I can see.

Let us know how he goes. Lots of love to him

Edited October 23, 2009 by Kelly_Louise

[ari.g]

Aww Vickie & Zeus. It's so hard when they start to slow down. Fingers crossed for the blood work results to be good.

[Tassie]

Fingers crossed down here too, Vickie, for you and Zeus. It's hard when they get older, isn't it. Luckily there's so much more we can do now to keep them comfortable.