Madison bloodwork update and what WE think!

[Madderoos Mom]

We have been a bit concerned with Maddie's intake of A LOT of water.  In short, she drinks like a camel.  We took her in for a blood workup and the results are in. 

She has a slight elevation of some protein in her blood.  Which could mean??????  Many things or nothing.  Another expensive test is required to find out.  Dr. Winkler did say that her teeth were in DIRE need of cleaning.  Shhhheeeeesh!  We just did this 6 months ago!!  Well, after hearing that the vet would probably want to do a "water deprivation" test to see how her kidneys are working, we had second thoughts.  The reason why is because of last night.  Maddie had me up FIVE times.  She either had to go out or was simply roaming and restless and SQUEEKY!  Today, I researched doggy dementia and yep, she fits a lot of the symptoms.  Excessive drinking, pacing, whining and the big one that is ALL Madison....her days have turned into nights and vica-versa.  We think that more than anything else, our little Roo is slipping into senility.  She spaces out.  She doesn't respond to her name most of the time.  She gets confused.  She doesn't sleep.....when she should.  So....because she is 12 years old (next week), we're going to hold off on further testing unless she appears in pain or I see something really ugly.  We ARE getting her teeth done....AGAIN and hope to find a good dental rinse one can put in the water dish.  I hear Dr. Foster has one.  Gotta do my reasearch.  Any input would be great.  Also, I notice that the water thing only happens when we're here.  When I go to work, both girls are still in the exact same place when I come home for lunch and I know she doesn't jump down, drink and come back up because she doesn't do that anymore.  So, looks like we'll take a wait and see on this one and handle it as it comes.  A good walk I hope will help with more sleep at night and maybe a bit of Rescue Remedy. 

Thanks for your thoughts and for listening.  Most people's eyes glaze when I talk about my little girls.  THEY can yack it up about their dogs, lizards, pregnancies, cats, and babies, etc but when I speak up......the big eyeball glaze is very evident!   Thanks for being here for me.  I NEED you!

[papbouv]

I use CET in their drinking water seems to help a bottle lasts a month it cost $19.00 + tax. As far as the dementia my vet told me to give my old Papillon Gizmo the fish supplement for skin & coat for dogs the Omega ones. She lived til 14 & /2 years old I waited a little long to help her to the bridge. If she does not mind being in her crate I would crate her at night safer for her and you would have peace of mind.Gizmo loved her crate so no problem with her going in at night she seemed to like it like being in a cave. I would give her the Rescue Remedy every night it does take awhile to get into there systems since it is herbal. Good Luck with Madison not nothing good about it when they head that direction.Papbouv
Oh also the vets do have other meds for them Antitriptlyn (sp) not ssure how it is spelled

[Barb]

It's hard when we see the signs of our kids aging, isn't it?   Keeping good thoughts that a nice walkie and rescue remedy will get the nights back to nights !!!    for the Madaroo....

[doxielady5569128]

Does Madison lick a lot?  Porky does ALL the time, we are trying to get him to stop, but its not working well.  Our vet told us that when they lick their paws, etc... the little hairs can get up under their gums and cause decay.  Eventually leading to a fisula between the mouth and nose opening up and causing major problems.   Porky's teeth have needed cleaned more frequently because of him doing that.  It has also helped to brush his teeth on a daily basis.  He hates it, but it has been helping.   Chewing rawhides will scrape off all the junk on their teeth as well. 

That is so sad to hear about her being up all night and confused!   I'm not looking forward to that at all.   Feel free to talk to me anytime!  I love hearing about others and their babies!    Keep us posted on how Maddie is doing.