Aa
help for older pet
Hi, I am in love with my 16 year old american pit. up until lately he had only typical aging issues, the last two months he has started wasting, loosing his fat, he still eats and voids as normal. he does have problems with his hind quarters and standing at times. last week he started having alot of nasal cogestion with some increasing bleeding, he also hads a swelling on his left nare, at first i thought it might be a snake bite. the congestion continues and he is having a hard time and is mouth breathing, and becomes choked up.The only vet within 50 miles of me, just tries to write him off, and put him down, I realize he is old, for his breed, but I know him and am aware that this nasal swelling and congestion could be resolved and he could be with me longer. I was wondering about flagyl, or antibiotics and which antibiotic would be best. I hsve tried benadryl twice daily , he is on asprin for his size, and glucosamine for pets. If not what could i do for him. I really would appreciate any advice, and thank you so much for your time. kimberly
How did they dose him on the Rimadyl?once or twice daily? It as an excellent med for arthritis and alot of other pain issues.It is also really safe to use for long periods of time without causing harm to the liver and kidneys.I am so glad to hear that you did find another vet.Well take care and God Bless You Both,Chan
COMMUNITY LEADER
There! I knew there would be something to help him. That's good news. May he have a happy rest-of-his-life! God bless.
Maybe it was the aspirin that was making him bleed.
One comment I would have about glucosamine is that the efficacy of it is dose-dependent and brand-dependent. Sometimes it does get to where glucosamine doesn't help anymore, even with an adequate dose and using a good brand. But oftentimes dogs are underdosed on it, and some brands just aren't all they are marketed to be. GlycoFlex is one brand that does have some good research support behind it.
One comment I would have about glucosamine is that the efficacy of it is dose-dependent and brand-dependent. Sometimes it does get to where glucosamine doesn't help anymore, even with an adequate dose and using a good brand. But oftentimes dogs are underdosed on it, and some brands just aren't all they are marketed to be. GlycoFlex is one brand that does have some good research support behind it.
Thanks so much for the encouraging posts and advice. I did find a new vet, it was quite refreshing that he was so supportive and helpful. He was amazed also of how old he was and that he for the most part had lived this long with us. He started him on rimadyl for his hips, and took him off the asprin he was already on. He treated him with antibiotics and did blood work, its pending. So he is now home with us a feeling better from the nasal issues.I reallyy appreciate all of the support, Many thanks to all of you. kimberly
I can identify. You want to do anything for your old friend that you can. I agree with others to get a second opinion, even if you have to drive a long way.
I would want to rule out nasal cancer. I'm sorry to say it, but there is such a thing in dogs. Hopefully he does not have it. If by chance he does, the only good thing you can say about it is that, in a way, it kind of makes the issues clearer. I hope that comment doesn't come across in a bad way. I mean it kindly. Part of what is agonizing is the ambiguity.
What you would like best is a definitive diagnosis of something you can treat and cure. If that does not emerge, then the only thing I know you can do for him is to continue to provide supportive care and take each day as it comes. It may just be that all his systems are gradually breaking down with advanced age. He is like a little old man in his 90's. To the extent you can and for as long as you can, try to make a kind of doggie nursing home for him.
This end-of-life phase is a hard time and a precious time. Bless you both.
I would want to rule out nasal cancer. I'm sorry to say it, but there is such a thing in dogs. Hopefully he does not have it. If by chance he does, the only good thing you can say about it is that, in a way, it kind of makes the issues clearer. I hope that comment doesn't come across in a bad way. I mean it kindly. Part of what is agonizing is the ambiguity.
What you would like best is a definitive diagnosis of something you can treat and cure. If that does not emerge, then the only thing I know you can do for him is to continue to provide supportive care and take each day as it comes. It may just be that all his systems are gradually breaking down with advanced age. He is like a little old man in his 90's. To the extent you can and for as long as you can, try to make a kind of doggie nursing home for him.
This end-of-life phase is a hard time and a precious time. Bless you both.
My goodness...16 yrs. old! Thats unbelievable that a American Pit Bull has lived that long! You are very blessed to still have him and I am so sorry to hear he is sick. I can be no help as far as what to do. Im with the others..FIND a new vet.!!
I had an American Pit Bull named Lacy, she died in 1999 from cancer. She was only 7.
I had an American Pit Bull named Lacy, she died in 1999 from cancer. She was only 7.
Just like everyone has said i would find another vet for your baby.As far as Flagyl,It is really hard to say what antibiotics to use without knowing what type of infection he has going on.Also what type of aspirin are you using.Is it Ascriptin? Rimadyl and Ectogesic are really good meds for any trouble with his hips due to arthritis.Also you could get a Senoir blood panel done on him to make sure that there is no underlying problems going on. Dont give up on him it just sounds like he needs a new vet.He is a lucky fellow to have you believe in him and know that he can get better.Take care and keep us posted on how he is doing.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Yes there is no harm in getting a second opinion. It may be hard for you because it sounds like you live quite far from towns? But drive the extra miles, because it might be worth it.
I can't tell you exactly what might be wrong with your guy, or what treatment he should have, but it is very possible there is something which would alleviate his symptoms. No-one knows till they try.
I do not necessarily agree with 'giving up' on a dog just because he's getting on in years. Vets should be willing to put as much time in as they would with a younger dog. Unless it becomes obvious that no medications are working, it is time to keep trying.
I can't tell you exactly what might be wrong with your guy, or what treatment he should have, but it is very possible there is something which would alleviate his symptoms. No-one knows till they try.
I do not necessarily agree with 'giving up' on a dog just because he's getting on in years. Vets should be willing to put as much time in as they would with a younger dog. Unless it becomes obvious that no medications are working, it is time to keep trying.
i would def find a vet! i had a pit and my vet got "tired of her" and told me to put her down and she was only 2yrs old! i switched vets and he completely took care of her(until she passed away of cancer at age 5.5yrs).16 yrs is very old but if you think this is treatable or managable with the right meds i would find a vet who cares but i would also realize that with his age,he may just be approaching "his time". please keep us posted
I would drive farther and find a new vet, yours doesn't seem worth going to. Until then, you might want to go to the top of this page and click on Forums. Then scroll down on the next page till you find Ask a Vet. If you post a question, possible they can help. Get a second opinion from a different vet before you make any decisions, you won't regret it.
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