Wednesday 9 March 2022

A turn for the worse?

Gail here:

At times like these, ordinary domestic troubles can seem trivial compared with dreadful events reshaping our geopolitics, but small sadnesses at home are still all too real. 

"Behaviour changes observed in twelve year old dog, deaf and living with bladder cancer" is never going to make the headlines anywhere but this blog. 

So what's been happening with Bertie? 

First and most noticeable - during our morning walks in Duthie Park he often now seems disorientated - running off in random directions where formerly he would, more or less, follow a set circuit around the park perimeter. Also, he occasionally bumps into things, and I suspect that his eyesight, which long has been weak, has deteriorated further. But I also wonder what's happening in Bertie's brain. 

In the house, especially towards the end of the day, Bertie can be unsettled, agitated, often just standing there, head and tail drooping, looking unhappy. Last night, while I was preparing supper I heard Bertie barking in the study (unusual in itself) and found him yapping at the empty armchair, as if I was sat there and he wanted something. When Bertie lies down, he manoeuvres himself into position very, very tentatively, as if to avoid pain in his abdomen. He rarely seems relaxed in the car nowadays - I think the vibration causes him discomfort. 

Occasionally, when trying to pee, and at other times, a tremor in his rear legs starts up and persists for a minute or two. 

Bertie is still eating well, digesting his food and maintaining his weight. He's also still keen to go out for walks, and at night, wearing his 'male dog belly band' he sleeps peacefully on my bed. 

What best to do for my dear wee chap? 

26 comments:

  1. I am so sorry to learn of Bertie's latest change in behaviour. All I can say is what ever decision you make will be the right one and we will all understand. If this helps.

    ReplyDelete
  2. that is a very hard time for you and Bertie... and all what you will do is done with love ... always...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Gail, I know exactly what you are going through. I'm having the same battle with my conscience too.
    Inca recently must have banged her head, I suspect on the edge of the coffee table, and now has a dent above her right eye, so that part of her skull seems to have slipped. The vet has told me that all the nerves on that side of her face are now dead so she has no feeling. Her jowl on that side also hangs down and she occasionally catches it with her teeth when she's eating. None of this seems to bother her, and the vet assures me she's in no pain. Like Bertie, she's eating well, greeting friends with her usual enthusiasm, and still loves her walks, although we don't go too far these days.
    It's the worst decision any animal lover ever has to make, and I try to be sensible and take things day by day.

    Much love to you both,
    Carol, Inca's human, and Inca sends cuddles to Bertie xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gail says: Thank you so much for those kind thoughts. Sending cuddles to Inca.

      Delete
    2. I feel your sadness as I recall my Just Harry experiencing his own case of doggie dementia. We struggled with the inevitable decision as you are too. The hardest decision ever. Love and hugs to you and Bertie

      Delete
    3. I feel your sadness as I recall my Just Harry experiencing his own case of doggie dementia. We struggled with the inevitable decision as you are too. The hardest decision ever. Love and hugs to you and Bertie

      Delete
  4. I have been dreading this update, knowing it is coming. most of us that love Bertie have been through this with our beloved pets, my heart is heavy for you and Bertie and I pray for strenth for you to know when is the right time for Bertie. my eyes are dripping, my heart hurts with yours. You have described the last days of our Jake, the standing and staring and bumping things. dementia and deaf and blind. hugs to you and sweet Bertie.

    ReplyDelete
  5. We send you and Gail lots and lots of hugs, Bertie♥

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hari OM
    Other's words at such times are a support and a salve - bit cannot, necessarily, solve the riddle of action. I recall Jade suddenly sliding into something similar with the disorientation and almost dementia-like behaviour. A discussion with the vet was necessary... my heart goes out to you and I send ether hugs and ear scritchies to Bertie lad. YAM xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gail replies: I've made an appointment to talk to the vet late tomorrow afternoon.

      Delete
  7. Gail thank you for the update. Each time I come here I send positive thoughts for you and quality of life for Bertie each day..
    What to do you ask?
    I say you have been doing it for 12 years, loving him with all your heart and soul each day. We wish we could support you in person. Please know you are in our thoughts
    Hugs Cecilia and Bryan

    ReplyDelete
  8. sending you love and support from the PugRanch
    hugs
    Mabel, Hilda & Mom

    ReplyDelete
  9. So sorry to hear that. Our Collie developed dementia in his last few years. Just looked lost. Would stare into space and sometimes whimper. His cataracts affected his vision

    We were lucky that he reached the age of 15. He's missed every day.

    Bertie has a great life and the best of care. You an him (he?) will know what to do.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Bertie - we've only recently met you and The Tigger identifies with the deaf, and the 'where did they go' thing... and his humans get all quiet and glum, and then hug him and stroke his fur and love him as much as they can while they can. Tell Gail, human pet-parentz all get wet eyes over stuff like this.

    ReplyDelete
  11. We're sorry to hear Bertie isn't doing so well these days. Our paws are crossed that he continues to enjoy his meals and you can keep him comfortable.

    ReplyDelete
  12. We are also sorry to hear about Bertie.

    Beth here, I can relate in a way. Luckily, Jakey doesn't suffer from any cancer that we are aware of, but he does suffer from Canine Cognitive Disorder(aka Doggy Dementia). A few of Bertie's symptoms sound along those lines. Jake barks at random times(and things), and seems to randomly wander around bumping into things...like he isn't quite aware of his surroundings.

    Like Bertie, Jake is eating fine, digesting everything fine(and digesting mostly outdoors), so we are celebrating him everyday.

    Lots of virtual cuddles to Bertie and hugs to you!
    xoxo,
    Beth

    ReplyDelete
  13. Such an individual decision. Our cardi Tali never stopped eating, but we knew when it was time, because we wanted him to have a good death, as well as a good life. We did not want to wait until he was such in distress that he could not go gently into that good night—contrary to Dylan Thomas's view.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Whatever you, your vet and Bertie (dogs sometimes let us know when) decide today or in the future, now is the time for Bertie start getting lots and lots and then even more of his favourite food treats (without worrying about his weight) plus so many extra cuddles while you remind him of the wonderful adventures you two have shared over the years. You are both in my thoughts and I'm sending love to you both from NZ.

    ReplyDelete
  15. So many replies from wise friends who have been on that road themselves, I'll just say. . . Hugs to you both.

    ReplyDelete
  16. We stand by you because you are an AWESOME Mom to Bertie and will always do what is best. I am so very sorry to hear Bertie is have such problems. Big hugs to you both.

    Kim

    ReplyDelete
  17. Gail, we are so saddened to hear this and know what a difficult position you are in. I know you and Bertie's medical team, will make the best decisions for Bertie. Please give him our love (and take some for you too) and know we are sending our warmest wishes for peace at this difficult time across the pond. Hugs! Lee and Phod and their Lady

    ReplyDelete
  18. I am so sorry but know you will do the right thing when it is time. Thoughts and prayers,
    Lucy, (Troy, Ohio)

    ReplyDelete
  19. I am sorry. Take it a day at a time. It is good that he is eating. Follow your heart.

    ReplyDelete
  20. The possible pain issues you are seeing are one thing to be evaluated and of course troubling. But regarding Bertie's "disorientation", I noticed similar behavior in our beloved Border Collie Rory. On our long walks into our surrounding pastures and forest (always occasions of great happiness), he became confused, blundering into thickets, and then abruptly veering off before I could reach him to help. In the following months his anxiety level grew to the point that that these walks were no longer possible. His age was probably 14 years; we weren't sure as he was a stray who wandered into our lives. Rory did live for more than a year after this began; it was advanced arthritis that finally convinced us to let him go. I know how disturbing Bertie's behavior must be, but don't "panic" (as I'm inclined to do). This is a bump in the road but may not mean more than careful observation need be done now. Bertie is such an immensely dear fellow.

    ReplyDelete
  21. This is such a hard time for you, but know that you have given your all to help Bertie. He knows that too, and he also knows that you will do what is best for him at this time too. Bertie will help you know what to do. Hugs and prayers from all of us.

    Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber, and Mom too

    ReplyDelete
  22. We're keeping Bertie in our prayers and hope he can get some relief if he's in pain. We know how difficult it is to have an older doggie who's health is declining.

    ReplyDelete