How is Ivan doing?

[Kari]

I was thinking of him today and wondering if there was any update on how he is doing?

[Barb]

I was thinking of him too - I hope Mack gives us an update -

[Suzie]

An email from Mac on the 10th: "Ivan got a relatively good bill of health at the vet, as far as bloodwork goes, but we decided to go ahead and put him on Proin for the incontinence and Anipryl for the cognitive issues. We'll see how that goes."

Haven't heard anything more. S

[Merion]

Anipryl that is the drug I was thinking of .  Glad he can take it ....Zeke couldn't because of his seizures.  We will be praying that this all helps Ivan stick around a while longer!!!!
Merion & the ZZ's

[Dachsmack]

Thanks for asking about Ivan. He's been on the meds for less than a week. It'll be a while before we could hope to see any improvement, if any is forthcoming. For now, Ivan seems disoriented much of the time and he has trouble walking about on anything but a flat surface. That said, he is enjoying longer stays outside. We have a much bigger backyard now, so Melanie and I have set up a pen with a blankie where Ivan can curl up under the sun. Winters are glorious in South Florida -- it's about 75-80 degrees during the day with a breeze. Yesterday I was watching him outside and he had his neck stretched out with his nose in the air, seemingly soaking in the fresh air.

[papbouv]

Hi you may already know this but my vet has Gizmo on Oil capsules that you give for their coat it is suppose to help with the brain too on old dogs.My vet had been to a seminar on Geriatric dogs is where he learned of the Oil capsules.It seems to help Gizmo some the problem is the capsule is too big have to poke a hole in it and then try to get it down her.Gizmo is 14 years old has incontinent problems and cognitive problems also now she wears a diaper at night only then I take her out allot more often in the day time. They make diapers for boys too now days.I like the Oil Capsules because they are not too much of a drug if that makes any sense.
papbouv

[David C.]

Do you think the move from one house to another may be contributing to Ivan's disorientation?   Clearly, at 17, all the senses are not anywhere near as sharp as they once were and Ivan may be uncertain of his new surroundings.  It will probably take him much longer to acclimate than the younger dogs because his sensory responses aren't as great.   How do the other dogs treat him?  Are the still socializing with him or are they giving him a wide berth?

I'd say the outside stays are encouraging.  I'm sure that the sensory response that comes from being outside, while considerably reduced at Ivan's age, is still enough to pique his interest and keep his mind active.  The wobbling on anything but a smooth surface is pretty much a mirror of Max's behaviors.  Out in the backyard, his rear would give out fairly easily over obstructions, but he'd get right back up again and keep heading towards his destination.   When they start falling over on perfectly smooth surfaces is when it's time to worry.

[Dachsmack]

Ivan's decline started well before we moved, though I'm sure the move didn't help. The other dogs pretty much leave Ivan alone. He doesn't like to play, so he's ignored.