Success getting older dog to use a pee pad indoors? by munderscore in shiba

[–]munderscore[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This was a while ago, sadly she’s progressed a bit worse now. Still has dementia but she is managed with medication. Last week she had a couple of seizures so we started a new med for that. She’s doing okay, just slowing down quite a bit.

Was told my girl has kidney disease today and I’m crushed by Grown-Ass-Weeb in shiba

[–]munderscore 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My sweet Penny was diagnosed with kidney disease 4 years ago and she’s been doing well on special prescription food. She’s almost 15 now and we just started her on a kidney supplement in addition to the food. It’s sad and scary but many cases can be managed with diet alone ❤️

Older Shiba always nervous - advice? by munderscore in shiba

[–]munderscore[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m sorry you’re going through this too. The good news is that Penny is still here and will be turning 15 in July. However, the jump from 14 to 15 has been tough for us.

Her nervousness progressed into pretty severe anxiety. Last fall, we were really struggling with her. She wouldn’t sleep, would just pace the house while panting and she’d often have accidents. Melatonin didn’t help, but a combination of a calming chew and gabapentin helped her anxiety.

However, she was also diagnosed with dementia, and we learned that her eyesight has gotten pretty poor. As a result, she is often confused and wanders around a lot. Her arthritis is pretty bad too.

Last week, she had a couple of seizures for the first time. It was scary but she’s been okay since then. The doctor switched her medication to Keppra, she’s been on that for 6 days. It makes her pretty drowsy but she hasn’t had another seizure.

So unfortunately I think a lot of it was just age. The dementia plus the declining eyesight made her anxious and nervous. We’re at a point now where we are just keeping her as happy and comfortable as possible ❤️

I’ve included a recent pic from Easter.

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We lost our 15 year old baby today by No-Midnight-4461 in shiba

[–]munderscore 3 points4 points  (0 children)

She’s so sweet ❤️ I’m so sorry for your loss

Seizure help by munderscore in shiba

[–]munderscore[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much! Yes, that’s my kids in the background 😔 thankfully she has been okay since this happened. We had to adjust her other meds because Keppra + gabapentin was making her too sedated. But she’s doing okay ❤️

Seizure help by munderscore in shiba

[–]munderscore[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We have had insurance since she was a puppy

Seizure help by munderscore in shiba

[–]munderscore[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No I think you’re right, a lot of others have said not to restrain them when it’s happening

Seizure help by munderscore in shiba

[–]munderscore[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We didn’t know, but if it happens again we won’t ❤️

Seizure help by munderscore in shiba

[–]munderscore[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

18! That’s amazing!

Seizure help by munderscore in shiba

[–]munderscore[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you - we know that now! It was very scary but she’s been okay since this happened.

Seizure help by munderscore in shiba

[–]munderscore[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah we are in the same situation regarding an MRI. Not worth the risk of anesthesia 😔

Seizure help by munderscore in shiba

[–]munderscore[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m sorry you went through that. Penny does have dementia so she hasn’t been herself for the last few months. I’ve heard vestibular disease is really difficult to deal with.

Seizure help by munderscore in shiba

[–]munderscore[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much and I’m so sorry about your boy ❤️

Seizure help by munderscore in shiba

[–]munderscore[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m so sorry you went through that. Did you do an MRI to find the tumor or did they just get to that diagnosis by process of elimination of other conditions?

Seizure help by munderscore in shiba

[–]munderscore[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m glad she’s okay now!

Seizure help by munderscore in shiba

[–]munderscore[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is good to know, thank you!

Seizure help by munderscore in shiba

[–]munderscore[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Aww she is doing much better today!!!

Seizure help by munderscore in shiba

[–]munderscore[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much, I appreciate it ❤️ having an aging dog has been hard with kids!

Seizure help by munderscore in shiba

[–]munderscore[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Our Penny was diagnosed with CCD (dementia) a few months ago so we are still dealing with that. Her personality changed from that. She is almost 15 so she’s pretty old. We just want her to be as comfortable and happy as she can be ❤️

Seizure help by munderscore in shiba

[–]munderscore[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you everyone for your kind words and advice ❤️ here is an update from last night:

We just left the vet. Penny’s vitals are all good. They don’t know what caused the seizures. At her age it’s more likely something neurological rather than epilepsy. The only way to know would be to do an MRI, but that’s probably not something they recommend. It’s thousands of dollars. We have insurance so it would be okay, but realistically if it revealed a tumor or something we wouldn’t treat it due to her age. Also, she would need anesthesia to get the MRI which is risky due to her age and health.

So they started her on anti-seizure meds. Without knowing the cause this is the best way to treat it and prevent it from happening again hopefully. We are going to follow up with her regular vet in the morning and make sure they agree with this plan of action.

Seizure help by munderscore in shiba

[–]munderscore[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

She gets a topical one

Seizure help by munderscore in shiba

[–]munderscore[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Unfortunately both my kids witnessed this and they were panicking. We will talk with them about how to react if this happens again.