Need some advice on my 12 year boxer

[lhsdavis]

Ok so Ashley my 12 year old boxer is really starting to show severe signs of dementia. She will be 13 in december. Two years ago after a bout of pancreatitis we had her tested for cushings due to the potty accidents and increased water. Also vet shared that could cause the flare up of the pancreas too. She tested on the low end and due to her age I opted with just going with anipryl which REALLY helped with the accidents and we felt we had gotten our girl back. The dementia has been steadily getting worse in the last few months, she wakes me up at least twice a night to go to the bathroom (which is not the big problem) its the fact she has become obcessive about almost everything. Mealtime, schedule, etc...we have had to keep her separated from my male boxer for 8 years in the house (they get along outside but fight in the house) and in the past she didnt have any issues going in the bedroom for Noahs time with family (sleeps in my girls room, and pretty much could say its a "kennel" for him), but now she obcessively barks growls gags etc when she is in our room while Noah is out, and I have recently caught her in our closet barking in the corner and there was nothing there, and looked confused when I got her attention to come out of our closet. She has started having accidents again. Im just not sure if its the sign that its her time or what....She is just making us miserable at night, to the point ive had to make her sleep most of the night in the living room because of her licking, panting, and just not being able to settle down. I really hate this...I can tell she just isnt sure whats going on, but then again she can be really bright eyed and alert, but its only during dinner/treat time. She is so obcessed, she reminds me when its time for her pill because a treat comes with it. Has anyone else had these same issues? Its really depressing me because I dont want to do anything because we are miserable, I love my girl, but I can tell her anxiety levels have risen too. I really am not ready for all this. I know long story and its been a long time since Ive been on this forum, but this is where I learned alot when I first got my babies.

 

[Lisa H]

Sorry, I have no advice. Just wanted you to know that Justice has started to get aggitated at night also. She is 11. It almost like she sees shadows and gets really nervous but it is only at night. We have been trying to keep the lights on in most rooms. Her eyes are getting cloudy so I am hoping it is just her vision. One we go to bed though and all lights and the TV is off, she is fine. Good luck, it is not easy watching them struggle with age.

 

[rockysarge]

I am sorry to hear your girl is having such a hard time. When I first came on these board to look for help, one of the first things I read has stuck with me and I think it proved to be true.
When it's time for them to go, they will tell you.

With what you said, it sounds like she is not having the life they all deserve. You may have to start thinking about letting her go. I am still crying over losing my Rocky a month ago so I understand the pain in making this decision and how hard it would be. We always want to do what is best for them, no matter how much it hurts us

If there really isn't anything more you can do, as I have never had to experience this I wouldn't have any idea, maybe you should talk to your vet and see what they think.

I hate to even suggest this because I know how much it hurts and I wish you and your pups all the best

 

[rena]

My Roxy is the same age - will be 13 in Dec. She has not seemed disoriented, but she does seem to get scared more easily than previously (an she has always been quite cautious). Her eyes are also cloudy, so have always wondered if that was part of the cause.

I have noticed the food motivation - it seems she is always hungry and definitely lets me know when it is meal time. Also, about the only exercise she is interested in is chasing a treat ball. She is still very spunky when chasing the treat ball, so use that as one of my key indicators for how she is feeling.

Really feel blessed to still have my best buddy, but it is so difficult to watch her age and struggle with health issues. I hope both our girls stay healthy enough to see their 13th B-day.

 

[EAO76]

Are you treating the cushings? The licking, panting, hunger, etc is part of that disease. Its common for cushing dogs to be up all night. Not sure about the anxiety but cushings and thyroid are both related to hormones so it could be causing various other behavior issues. Age in its self is not a disease. Sounds like there is more going on. I'd see the vet.

 

[lhsdavis]

Yes treating the cushings with anapryl...she has been on those meds since Dec 2010. she showed a marked improvement when she started it. She had pancretits (SP?) that Dec and spent 3 days at the vet and her blood tests were off the charts so the vet suggested after she got over the initial pancreatitis to have her tested for cushings because that could be a cause of all the issues. She ended up testing low on the cushing scale so went ahead with the treatment with anapryl, didnt want to do anything harsh due to her age (I want her comfortable) and she was 11 at that time. She has since went in for some dental work at the end of last year and got a couple teeth pulled/cleaning etc, and they redid her bloodwork. The vet was amazed at her bloodwork...everything was back to normal and she wasnt showing the extreme conditions (accidents, licking etc)that she had in the beginning. She has started to become almost obcessive in her routine...the hacking etc I think is do to her excessive licking of her feet she has developed. Took her to the vet thinking she might have a bug, got her on some antibiotics just in case since the vet really couldnt find anything. He felt it was alot of dementia issues but its just hard because night time has become quite rough for us. We've now pretty much had to relagate her to the living room so she can access her water and I just wake up to let her out once or twice a night. I really appreciate the comments and support and hope I will know the right time..its just hard. Shes is no where near what she was like 2-3 years ago,and sometimes I wonder if its the same girl. the insecurity/anxiety issues are the hardest.

 

[EAO76]

The treatment that you are using is the not the most effective. It doesn't really treat the disease rather it sort of tricks the mind. If you want to read more about cushings there is a great article below. But with that being said only you will know when its "time". When I was making the choice I had many second thoughts and guilt but I decided that doing it before his suffering became unbearable was the best choice. A day too soon is far better than a day too late.

********************************/library/ cushingsdisease.html (take out the space)

 

[MomtoMaggie]

blood work

It sounds like it has been almost 6 months since you had blood work done. If she were mine, I would take her in a full senior panel, urinalysis and thyroid levels to see if there might be something going on.

Boxer hugs and kisses,

Heather, mom to
Maggie/boxer/63 lbs/11 yrs/ CKD, chronic pancreatitis, hypothyroidism, arthritis and newly diagnosed with adult onset epilepsy and likely IBD.
&
Gabby/boxer/ 42 lbs/ 5 ½ mos/ Had CaOx crystals and crazy puppy syndrome
Orange County, CA