So, abruptly stopped writing here back in July, when Daniel had taken a downturn and was off his food, peeing blood and his bloodwork showed signs of early renal issues, that I can help a great deal with nutritionally and herbally, but only as long as the dog will eat. And, back then he wouldn't eat. I really thought we were at the end.
Between my back, my computer issues and a host of other stuff I don't need to go into, August was a nightmare. But as is my way, I've bounced back, we have a new laptop and insanely wonderful help from friends, business is slow but steady, my back has healed somewhat (disc disease is episodic, mostly) and, best of all, both our Very Old Boys are still with us. I have had some epiphanies lately, and thought - well Hell, it's Saturday, and while I have a thousand things to do as always, maybe I can take 20 minutes for myself and update.
Whatever is up with Dan's urinary tract, and no question part of it is prostate, herbs have helped. He will pee blood a bit, I increase his saw palmetto/pygeum etc, he stops. His appetite is now very good, and best of all, he is accepting NRC balanced food, which means - joy of joys - I can get more into him by way of heart, liver, prostate and kidney support. I am sure it's higher in some minerals than I'd like, and we need to redo bloods soon, but he's back on hawthorn, astragalus, a liver blend, the prostate stuff, and mushrooms. No more cheese sandwiches and catfood just to keep his weight up. he is better, subjectively speaking. He does a 15 minute walk twice a day, with Alex when I am unable to walk, with me when I can. I feel he is doing well...physically. But - there is always a but, isn't there?
I've had a tough time admitting it to myself, but without question, Dan has the beginnings of CCD.
Over the last week, as I've begun to feel a bit better with my latest back episode, I've noticed a few things I can no longer write off as accidents, bladder issues or...whatever makes me NOT say "CCD" to myself. he's still himself for the most part, he loves his routines and needs to be near me, but...
1) he pees in the house, often just after he's been out (and he's out, maybe once every 90 minutes all day long)
2) he gets up in the night and paces restlessly around the house for 15, 20 minutes or so
3) he seems to forget he's eating - walks away from his bowl, circles around, comes back and eats - over and over
4) he goes to the wrong side of the door to be let out or in
5) his normal, lifelong need to be with me wherever I am has accelerated to outright panic, I mean howling, if I'm out of eyesight for a moment now
...at the same time he remembers all "commands" and will sit, lie down, stay, leave it etc as always.He knows his schedule and goes to the fridge at mealtime, to the cookie jar at bedtime, to where his leash and harness hang at walktimes - no forgetting there.
But I know CCD, and I know my dog, and he has some. It broke my heart initially, but I am back in balance and remembering that there are many things we can do naturally, and the meds (Anipryl) work beautifully for many dogs (not all)...and so, I am taking this as our next challenge, and above all,seeing every day, every moment spent with him now, every new diet tried and every vet test run, as a sacrament - visible presence of an powerfl, invisible Force. My love for Danny is immeasurable...my nurturance of him at this time, needs to be entered into with gratitude, not despair. It is service, it is my honour to do it, it is Love in Action.
I'll post more now I'm a little better, and a full entry on canine CCD on ThePossible Canine site soon as well. For now - tonight - off to snuggle with my whole fur fam, sleep, and be grateful.
Danny as a baby, with a favorite chew toy
Last month, looking glum but actually in a pretty good mood
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