jomaniaci

Chloe our 15yr old girl has really been showing her age these last few months-our Vet had her on Dermox for the past year for arthritis, we switched to Remidyl in November because her liver enzymes were elevated.January's chem profile was better,but April showed them elevated again. Wanting to eliminate the meds being a contributing factor we now use Tramadol. The dose was 1-2 tabs 2x daily. I started out with 1 and now were at 2 2x daily. She's very restless at night,not able to get comfortable lays down and gets up frequently repositioning herself.At first I thought she needed to go out and she would walk around for a few minutes go if she had to and come back in. Sometimes she just stands there like"what should I do now"? Her breathing seems heavy but Doc says heart and lungs sound good-it's a sign of age-
Some of the things I've observe that concern me areTHESE ARE NOT CONSTANT)Panting, stiff gait, falling or stumbling when she walks(not often but it happens) Barking/Yelping Whining while laying or sitting, Licking legs/front paws.
All of this and she's still chasing squirells if I let her....
I know some of these symptoms are related to arthritis,I'm very concerned about her pain leval-Our vet is suggesting a nureo exam and an ultra sound to determine if her liver is the cause.
I've been reading many of the posts here and I have a few questions to ask our Vet, at 15yrs of age I want her to be comfortable. She has been good to us and I want to do what's right for her. As much faith as I've had in our Vet I am concerned about the path I may be walking-Ultra sound is not invasive-I'm not sure what a nureological exam consists of,I don't think that's invasive either. It's so hard to put into words-Our love for Chole is Great-her love for our family unconditional-Her needs come before ours-I don't want to put her through anything unpleasant....My worst fear seems like it's before me...
Words of wisdom - Suggestions....???

Lexxsmom

i'm no expert so I don't have any suggestions, but I can say that you sound like a wonderful owner with a wonderful girl. Great job wanting to do the best for her possible. I'm sure that others on here might have suggestions as to the best course of action.

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Leanne and Lexx

ellenm

I'd ask the vet exactly what the tests involve as far as her discomfort level is concerned. I'm sure you know that 15 years old is really ancient for a Doberman. If the tests show cancer etc are you thinking of putting her through chemo at her age?

I can't tell you what to do...but if she were mine I'd keep her pain free as much as possible and not do the tests. You have to decide for yourself how much you want to do to know exactly what is going on, when you may not be able to really fix anything for a good old girl this advanced in age.

Give her a hug from me. I've never had a Dobe live to that age. You've been blessed with her for many years.

jomaniaci

I absolutely agree, every day with her is a blessing. I don't want to do anything invasive to extend her life. My concern is that her time with us is without suffering/pain. I hope we can find the cause of her symptoms and understand what is happening so that she can be comfortable. I'll give her that hug....Thanks for your response

reddobes

I would recommend a chest xray - cardiac disease is very common in our breed, and the other thing that would be high on my list of rule outs would be metastatic disease. She could just be panting/restless from pain, but just because lungs auscult normal, doesn't mean they are.

Ultrasound is not painful and is a good tool for visualizing the liver. A neurologic exam is also not painful, just an exam w/ some special maneuvers to evaluate nerve function.

My concern would be that if she is restless/panting at night that her quality of life may already be declining.
Good luck w/ your old girl - I know it's not an easy position to be in.

JAXDOG

I agree with Reddobes.

I will add that when my mom's mixed breed dog hit about 14 he started showing signs of arthritis, but she wouldn't listen to me and the vets didn't catch it (she had a vet tell her she needed to put him under anesthesia so they could quick him to shorten his nails ). But by the time he was almost 16 he could barely stand up. He was fairly mobile, but it was hard on him. He was very stiff, would fall down, and was panting almost constantly. I told my mother it was probably from pain. She finally took him back to a different vet who told her he had arthritis that had progressed to it's worst point. They put him on Rimadyl, but after a couple of weeks it wasn't working. She chose to have him pts.

I would give your girl whatever medication makes her comfortable, and not worry so much about the lab tests. At 15 she has given you many more wonderful years than most people get from their Dobe's. And you do sound like a wonderful owner!

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Kacey

sebsyd

I agree with Reddobes, in fact I almost always do follow his advice. At 15 yrs of age, Chloe may just take the decision out of your hands. If she were mine, and I have been where you are before, I'd make sure she was comfortable and as painfree as possible and let nature take its course. What a tribute to genes and to you for all your good care through the years, to be 15 in a doberman is such a milestone!! We love our guys so much, we want to do everything possible to extend their lifespan, but sometimes nature just steps in. These tests can be costly and what will they prove?? That she is going to the bridge at some point. We all know that. You will be able to tell when she needs your help to make that decision. They communicate their feelings to us so well. It is the worst decision I ever had to make, but I know that I did the right thing in the end and you will know in your heart when you need to do it also. I wish you good luck and my thoughts are with you. Keep us informed on the progress of Chloe as we all love our cannine members.

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"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your Doberman. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."

DLS

Our Dobies are a very tuff breed. It takes a lot of pain for them to show their discomfort. My last old girl wasted away from cancer, but even on her last day with us, she had to go on our morning walk. You WILL know when your girl has had enough, just listen to her. A great big hug to the both of you.

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There are other fine dogs; then there are Dobermann - the dog of dogs!

voodoolizard

hug form us to !! i do hope she can be pain free for what wonderfull love filled time she has left !!

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