Sunday 12 January 2020

Weather

We are bound for some wild weather this coming week - or so the 'weather man' tells us.   'Storm Brendan' is on its way (named by the Irish) so we must batten down the hatches.

Yesterday was a wild one here.   I stayed in for much of the day - letting Tess out into the garden for 'loo duty' and then following behind (my back garden is quite sheltered) to clean up after her.   Mid afternoon I ventured out on a walk with her but only got as far as the end of the drive when I realised that if I stepped out onto the path the wind was strong enough to blow me over.  As I returned into the house the phone was ringing and it was my son inviting me to go with him and his wife to Richmond for afternoon tea in their favourite cafe.  Of course I accepted - I never turn down an invitation to go out - especially on a Saturday, which can be a lonely day when one lives alone.
My son took Tess for a quick walk before we went and then again on our return he took her on a longer walk.   Twice during the evening I let her out for 'loo duty' and for an even longer time at bed time.  As I got into bed I realised I had forgotten my medication and so I got up and went into my medicine cupboard in the kitchen - only to find that Tess had already done a wee and a poo.   So I cleaned it up and put down fresh newspapers. 
When I got up at half past three this morning I went to see how things were in the kitchen - I can't begin to describe the mess everywhere - on and off the newspapers - so putting on my Marigolds I had another clean-up session. 

 She is an extremely distressed little dog most of the time.   She splays her front paws as though they can hardly support her and when she sits down she no longer sits upright but sits on one or the other hip.   Most of the time she sleeps in her bed and when she is not doing this she follows me wherever I go, so close that her nose is touching my leg.  I am so sad for her but begin to think that maybe her time is up.   I could not bear to pass her on to anyone else, I can hardly manage her at my age and I can see her beginning to suffer.   What to do?   It kept me awake thinking about it last night and  I am no nearer a decision this morning.

 My thoughts at the moment are to make an appointment and go and discuss it with my Vet in the morning.   I had thought that Hydrotherapy might help her and had set the wheels in motion for this.   But toileting is something different, especially in the middle of the night.   It has happened all of a sudden and must be distressing her too as she has always been such a clean dog.
Life is hard for her - and at the moment hard for me too.

30 comments:

Dc said...

It could be her medication. I know when Ruby was on painkillers she kept having to wee?

Anonymous said...

Oh Pat, how awful. Yes, go and talk to your vet, he'll be able to give advice and perspective, but try not to give up hope yet. Sending much love to you both at a difficult time. Cathy

the veg artist said...

Poor both of you. Anti-inflammatories can also relax muscles, so perhaps the dose is too high for her?

VC said...

It's is very sad when our pets are suffering isn't it but do please talk to your vet as it may be the medication which has caused such a sudden change. How lovely that you went to afternoon tea despite the weather. I got very wet on my way home from football, dripping hair and the lot! Who cares about age difference? Love is love. How sad that your second husband, though younger went first. Life is very unfair at times isn't it?

Librarian said...

Oh dear, poor you and poor Tess! I wonder whether this toilet trouble of hers has anything to do with something she ate, or with her medication, like someone else has suggested, and that it will pass once her body gets used to it. To talk things through with your vet is certainly best. Caring for an ageing pet is never easy, even if we ourselves are in good health, as was I when my last cat became old and frail. It is one of those very sad things that keep some people from having (another) pet in the first place.

Rambler said...

It is very hard to cope with 'accidents' in the home, especially overnight, making both of you distressed and upset. But this has come on very suddenly so I agree with other comments that the medication could be to blame. As for the 'sitting awkwardly' and showing signs of pain - I read your previous post where she went on a long walk with your dog walker, who commented that she was like a young dog again. This, combined with several shorter walks, could have resulted in a flare up of the arthritic pain. So please don't give up on Tess just yet. Stick to shorter walks and if the vet can adjust the dosage of her medication, she could be far more comfortable and go on happily alongside you for ages yet. In the meantime - have a (((((hug))))).

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

Poor old Tess. And poor old you, having to deal with it. I'm sure the vet will be able to give you sensible advice when you see her/him. I've just got back from a wild walk and, though the wind didn't blow me over, it certainly had several attempts to steal my cap.

thelma said...

Don't panic, just go and see the vet, he might have a sensible explanation. Poo/wee clearing up is miserable I know, but it could well be the medication.

jinxxxygirl said...

If only our companions could live as long as we do. I hope a trip to the vet will put her to right. Hugs from across the water.. Deb

JayCee said...

As others have said, a chat with the vet will help to clarify the options. Best wishes. JC x

Heather said...

A chat with the vet will be the best thing to do. He will advise you, but I know how distressing this must be as I have had similar experiences with my own pets. Thinking of you and Tess.x

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

As a cat owner, not a dog owner, I have no advice, but I feel for you and know that wrestling with this decision is not easy. See what the vet has to say. You are doing your best for her. Take care! -Jenn

susie @ persimmon moon cottage said...

I'm sorry that your Tess is having such problems and that things are so difficult and worrisome for you right now. She may have been having extra problems because of her medication, or even something that she may have eaten. I know that medicines I have been prescribed for arthritis pain have caused me stomach problems in the past.

My little Fuzzy Pomeranian is 16 years old. He has good days and not so good days. He is totally deaf now, but that doesn't bother him. He has arthritis in his neck, lower back, front legs,and back legs. Thankfully, the arthritis symptoms only badly affect one or two areas at a time. Weather often affects his arthritis the same as it does mine - painfully. Those are days that he and I both take it easy. He does a lot more sleeping than he used to. He is a very old little dog, so that doesn't worry me.

I have not taken Fuzzy to the vet for pain relievers yet, because I believe that most of them come with the possibility of side effects. I know from experience that they do for humans

Fuzzy seems to hurt more the evening of, and the day after, a long walk, or even car rides. He does much better just going out for a short time to do what he needs to.

He does have pain, but still is in very good spirits most days,though he does have some days when he likes to spend a lot of time resting in his soft doggie bed, but I can tell he still wants and needs to be here with me.

It is heart breaking when our little dogs start to have serious health problems. I hope that your sweet Tess will feel better soon and that you will both have better days ahead. Surely, your vet will have some good suggestions for you.

Jill said...

Surely it would be kinder to just let Tess out in the garden for a little exercise. The dog walkers walks are obviously much too much for her now, it sounds as if only very short walks are too much too. Why on earth keep putting the little dog through the agony of suffering after being walked. I was surprised that you let the walker take her on a longer walk. Then you were even thinking of her having hydrotherapy! Please let the little girl rest and just potter about.

Sitting with her legs splayed is an obvious sign that all isn't well. Also the incontinence. Sometimes we let our dogs continue in distress for our own selfish reasons, because we can't bear to have them put to sleep. Tess has been declining for some time now, the kindest thing would be to let her go before she suffers more. I'm sorry if my words sound harsh but sometimes it takes the view of others to make you realise what is best for a pet. The vet won't actually say it's time to put her to sleep, they're taught to circumnavigate around those actual words because it is your decision, not theirs.

Gwil W said...

My previous neighbour had a cat flap that was operated by a chip worn by the cat. Perhaps there's something if this nature available fir small dogs?

Ruth said...

I'm so sorry to hear this about Tess. When something comes on suddenly it puts you into a panic, fearing for the worst. I hope things calm down for her and for you, and that your vet will be helpful in deciding what's best. It surely does make you wonder about the medication. I hope it's as simple as that, changing or eliminating it, and nothing worse.

Anonymous said...

I’d see what vet says. It could be a reaction to her medication;or she might have an infection. Agree with what Ruth said as well.

Helensmum said...

"Jill" is I suspect,a commentator on another's blog. I for one have owned dogs who settled on inflammatories.If her time has come,no need for a long epistle.
Dogs are fickle,give her the benefit of vet review. Then you will know what is in your heart.

Dahlia88 said...

Try not to be too hasty, it sounds as if the meducation has upset her system. Visiting vets with a poorly animal is so upsetting. Thoughts and prayers for you and Tess.

Sue in Suffolk said...

Oh poor Tess. Hope a visit to the vets gives you an idea of what to do next.

Virginia said...

Oh Pat, that is so distressing for you, and for Tess too. I do hope the vet has a plan you feel comfortable with. She’s been such a darling companion for you. Hugs as you cope with this

Anonymous said...

I feel for you as we have been through this a couple of times; knowing what to do isn't easy and is quite distressing at times. Hopefully your vet will be able to advise you.The toileting problems may only be temporary hopefully.
Virginia, one of your daily blog readers(in Australia)

Joanne Noragon said...

I hope you and your vet come to a good decision.

Jules said...

It may just be the medication but your vet will be best person to give you some good advice. X

Ann said...

I do feel for you, but Tess mayhave eaten something on her walk or her meds are affecting her in this way. A chat with the vet will reassure you. Also, she may be happy in future just to potter around your garden when you’re not able to walk her. Lots of sniffs around the garden and a little exercise there will probably all she needs now :)

Regina M. said...

Oh, so sorry to hear you've lost Tess. Having lost our prior beloved dog after a lifetime of special care due to her pancreatitis, and now a bit edgy due to our present "rescue" dog's age and the possibility of losing her, my heart goes out to you. You've given
Tess a very loving home. Thankfully, now she will no longer live in discomfort & will be at peace. Hugs.

angryparsnip said...

I am so sorry to read this. You have giving Tess such a wonderful home filled with love.
parsnip xx

John Going Gently said...

anxious dogs are so difficult to cope with.
even when you are young fit and not alone
it may be prudent but oh so difficult to rehome her and perhaps get a lapdog which needs just you!

I know a very hard decision

as you have been so loyal and caring!!
jxxxx

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