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Post by coppertone on Nov 8, 2013 4:20:11 GMT
Our Bull Terrier, after more than 10 years of perfect health nearly drove us demented trying to figure out why he would 'cry' - I'm told dogs are not vocal (clearly he doesn't know this as he talks, can tell time for meals etc) Watching him stand in one place panting heavily and whining had us take him to an emergency vet one Sunday who loaded us with expensive medication that only partially worked. Nearly 3 thousand and counting!!  From his actions or lack of them rather, he would stand in one place and battle to move. Almost as if there was a disconnect between brain and legs. Our regular vet has run a battery of tests which only tell us what is not wrong so we have him on pain medication daily. The reason for this post? If your dog stands and pants heavily for no good reason, like exertion or heat etc please consider he/she may be in pain and take appropriate action. It will save you a great deal of heartache and your pet enormous distress! |
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Post by Trog on Nov 8, 2013 13:05:38 GMT
Did you know that paracetamol is fatally toxic for cats, and may be for dogs as well? Just saying, because one’s inclination towards an animal in pain is often to scratch around for something to help it, and the thought to feed it some pain killers can easily arise.
By the way, grapes and raisins can also kill a dog.
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Post by cjm on Nov 8, 2013 17:40:26 GMT
It is a pretty old dog and I know the heartache but one has to face facts.
I had an Irish Terrier and the first time he displayed similar symptoms was when he was found to be allergic to gluten (quite common actually, I believe). The second time he suffered from constipation.
Your bill up to this stage is rather modest compared to what people are prepared to cough up. My brother had a vaccine specially made for his border colley - pure madness although it was not THAT expensive.
You have all my sympathy and I hope they find the problem.
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Post by coppertone on Nov 8, 2013 19:28:52 GMT
Did you know that paracetamol is fatally toxic for cats, and may be for dogs as well? Just saying, because one’s inclination towards an animal in pain is often to scratch around for something to help it, and the thought to feed it some pain killers can easily arise. By the way, grapes and raisins can also kill a dog. Yip I know about paracetamol but our vet says if it needs to become regular use, we will have to monitor liver function. For the record he is not on 'human' medication but a canine concoction and responding very well, alert and pain free, thank goodness!  Don't forget the chocolate which is also potentially fatal. I would love to know why, as our Bully loves various fruit and vegetables. We don't indulge the dogs often but their enthusiasm is hard to ignore! |
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Post by coppertone on Nov 9, 2013 3:47:24 GMT
It is a pretty old dog and I know the heartache but one has to face facts. I had an Irish Terrier and the first time he displayed similar symptoms was when he was found to be allergic to gluten (quite common actually, I believe). The second time he suffered from constipation. Your bill up to this stage is rather modest compared to what people are prepared to cough up. My brother had a vaccine specially made for his border colley - pure madness although it was not THAT expensive. You have all my sympathy and I hope they find the problem. I think the 'problem' for us is that our animals have always been healthy so illness in them, and not having a definitive diagnosis is/was difficult to deal with. Like with small children, one has to guess what the problem area may be from observation and hope you get it right. We have decided in consultation with the vet that the only objective is to keep our boy comfortable, pain free and active which he is, so no more prodding and probing for now. We have already accepted that we'll let him go gently when he no longer has quality of life. At least with animals there is a choice ......... |
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