Ivan not doing well

[Dachsmack]

Hi everyone,

I believe my senior boy Ivan is drifting away from me. He turned 17 in October and in the past month or so has really begun to show his age. He actually seems better physically than mentally. Often I find him facing a wall or a corner and seemingly not knowing where to turn next. His hearing has not been what it was for a while, but I think now he may have doggie senility. And he's become incontinent.

He does still enjoy his food and has no trouble eating. But I wonder what sort of quality of life he has. When I pick him up, he trembles -- like he's in a constant state of agitation or worry.

We have a visit with the vet on Tuesday. We will discuss some medication and other possible remedies. Keep Ivan in your thoughts.

Mack

[David C.]

Sending major rays your way.

We faced similar issues with Max with regards to senility, and up until the very end, Max was still fairly strong physically.   It was not uncommon for Max to get "stuck" walking underneath a kitchen chair and he couldn't figure out how to get back out, or to just be facing a corner.   We gave up on any kind of housebreaking.   All we could do was take him out frequently, and restrict him to one room in the house when we were out, and just "write off" the carpets in that room.  Max never had the trembling issues, although Rudy had it his entire life and Zeke has it to a lesser extent.   I just kind of chalked that up to one of those dachshund idiosyncracies.

Having been down the road you are on so recently, I know it's a tough one.  Ultimately, Ivan will give you the signs when he is ready.   Once you break into that 17+ years old, dachshunds start wearing out internally.   The key is to find that point where prolonging their life is only an invitation to suffering without prematurely ending their life either.   With Max, I pretty much nailed it on the head.   Had I not sent him on to the Bridge when I did, he was likely facing kidney failure, perhaps within days, and that would have brought a lot of needless suffering to him.

Senior weiners do have a way of bouncing back, and I think Ivan still may rebound.  However, at 17 years of age, we're probably looking in terms of months rather than years.   Ivan's longevity has been a blessing, as Max's was.   Each day that you can still enjoy his presence is a wonderful blessing, so just take each day as it comes.   When the time comes, he will let you know.

It's sad losing a long time companion, but I know with Max, I've taken considerable solace in not only the quantity of his years, but also the quality of those years.   I know that Ivan is right up there on both counts, too.   When Ivan's time comes, you can also take solace in that part of him will live on with Willy and Hannah, much in the same way that parts of Rudy & Max live on with Zeke & Zora.

[Rich]

This is little I can add to David's wise words except that we are all hoping for more good days for Ivan.

[Barb]

Oh Mack - I, like Rich, really don't have any more to say than David - other than we are here for you always.    Sending powerful doxie rays to Ivan that he does bounce back and you have more time.  He will have a crew waiting for him at the Bridge when it is time for his journey.  I pray it won't be soon and he can enjoy the love in your home a while longer.

Please keep us updated and know that we stand beside you in thought and our hearts hurt with yours.

Hugs to you Mack,
Barb

[Beth]

Sending rays and prayers for Ivan and for you, Mack.  What David said was so perfect.  Hugs to you.

[MyLittleBoo]

Not sure what to say, I think what David said was great...  I will keep you and Ivan in my prayers...   Emmy sends healing puppy kisses your way Ivan...  Rays coming from Idaho....   

[Merion]

Mack,
We hope you get some good news at the vets.  There is a drug that can help with the problem, we couldn't use it because Zeke was on the phenobarbital for his seizures.  I have been told it does help some dogs.  The incontinence is part of the cognative disorder and we just used the male wraps on Zeke for it. Hope things look better for Ivan.  You and he are in our thoughts and prayers  .
Merion & the ZZ's

[Kari]

I along with everyone else can't add to what David said except that our thoughts are with you and Ivan!

[Kevin]

We are sending good thoughts, rays and prayers as well.  Take care.
Kevin & Jeri

[Mike]

Sending rays your way.  Others have spoken so well I can only add that I hope for the best for Ivan and you.

[Roberta]

DAvid has said it all, we had similar with Emma a year ago, she, we think eventually had a stroke and we found her walking in circles.
We will keep you both in our thoughts, and you never know it could be something fixable.
Roberta and da gang

[PattyInAK]

I know about the staring at the wall thing.  My Harry did that, and then he got incontinent and shortly afterwards would not eat.  He "told" me when he was ready to go.  It was hard but his quality of life had diminished.  He was 17 when I helped him go.   My best to you and Ivan, please let us know how it goes at the vet.

[Leslie]

There isn't anything I can say that others haven't... but  hold him a few minutes for me, will ya?   :heart:  Bless you all for the long, loving road you have traveled together. 

[DeeanDave]

Rays are coming your way..... all has been said so we'll send our prayers and rays your way.  Give Ivan extra love from us.  Dave, Dee, Sarge & Looie