Zeus Doesn't Appear Too Well

[MaryK]

Do not want to be an alarmist, but my Golden Oldie Zeus is off his food! This is unprecedented in his long and eventual life. Nothing has deterred my boy from being front and center when it comes to breakfast or dinner times. Or in fact treats or anything dog related to food. He's always loved his tucker, though not a thief and doesn't pester us for food, but for dog food yep he's there all hopeful!

This morning though he just stayed in bed and even when I took his food into him, didn't want to eat at all. He barely managed to munch his medication, something he will normally go positively boss-eyed over and gobble down with relish.

Also, the last couple of weeks his spine has felt so bony. It's like he's an underfed dog, which I can assure everyone he's NOT, but you can feel it protruding when you stroke him. Otherwise he's been fine, still wanting to go for walks, supervising Leaf's trick training and other training, everything else has been normal, until this morning. To be off his food, that has me worried, very worried, as I said it's unheard off, so I rang my partner at 7.30.a.m. he wasn't able to talk much (lousy boss doesn't give a darn about a sick dog) but said to ring him back at 2.p.m. and of course, watch Zeus.

I think it's going to be a trip to the vets tonight, as I tried again, 8.30.a.m. to offer him some lovely, juicy pieces of kidney, and he just turned his head away. Didn't even look interested.

Not feeling too bright, Zeus is such a wonderful dog and well...........so soon after losing Rakins...doesn't bare thinking about.

Will keep you all posted, it's probably nothing, I hope anyway but he does have Cushings and not eating.

 

[kassidybc]

Oh my gosh that's terrible!! Feel better Zeus!! Keep us posted!!

 

[southerngirl]

I'm so sorry Mary. I really really hope that Zeus is okay and he's just having a ruff day. Not sure if this will make you feel a little better, but you can obviously see Chase's spine though not his ribs, so maybe it's just how some dogs age lose weight. There are also days that Chase that does not eat, and he loves food too. Get Better Zeus!! Keep us updated on your sweet golden oldie. Hugs to you and Zeus.

 

[sara]

Oh goodness Mary! All fingers and paws crossed here that it's nothing. My springer's spine protruded when she got old too... and she was fat, so I don't think I'd be too worried about that... but not eating is a bit worrisome. ..

 

[tx_cowgirl]

Oh dear, I hope that Zeus is okay. Mudflap's spine is getting more prominent too as she ages, but she eats plenty and looks healthy. But I'd be concerned too about loss of appetite. Best of luck from our crew, and hugs to Zeus. Maybe he's decided to fast for some holiday we don't know about. Chin up.

 

[MaryK]

Thank you all so much, don't know what I'd do without you, you keep me comforted And thank you all for saying your respective dogs' spines protrude, that has made me feel much better.

Well, I didn't wait for my partner, Zeus seemed worse, so I called the vets and a taxi this morning and took him straight in. (Now I'm in the bad with my partner oh brother).

But good thing I did as Zeus' temp was waaaaaaaaaaay up 40.1C, which is darned high, way over the 'normal' temp. (Sorry not up to converting it into F degrees I'm exhausted cannot sleep).

So, first off an examination. Followed by an in house blood test, which did show some things high due to his high temp. but everything else normal.

He was also popped onto a drip as he was dehydrated. Oh he was such an angel, I was allowed to stay with him when he had his blood drawn for his blood test, my wonderful vet knew I wouldn't faint of anything, but Zeus, such a cool dude, didn't even flinch, blink or do anything. Kylie, my wonderful vet, said "You're dogs are always so good", even though I was so upset, I did swell a little with pride

Then Zeus was xrayed, as his stomach was swollen too. Again, he just laid there, no sedation, so proud of the boy!

Kylie said he needed an ultra sound and really had to work to find someone at such short notice, it's Friday here and the weekend ahead, but eventually she got a young trainee specialist at the ER to do it. So, Zeus and I were driven by one of the nurses to the ER - have I said how wonderful my vets are? And they also fed me too, supplied me with drinks and sweets, a foccaccia sandwich, and half a Krispy Kreme Chocolate donut, both of which I strongly suspect were half one of the lovely nurse's lunch - she said I needed to eat - thank you Elizabeth

Had rather a long wait at the ER, as they too were busy, but eventually the young vet came out and said "No Cancer in Zeus' stomach"!!!!!!!!!! Which, unfortunately, was number one suspect. I was so over joyed I hugged him and I am NOT prone to hugging totally strange vets - but I just had to 'let it out' somehow!!!!!!!!! (My partner had arrived, finally got him to pick up and his mood wasn't too good, no joy there just said 'the dog's dying' oh boy guess men are weird that way).

Then we had to head back to my vet's other clinic at Fulham Gardens, as Zeus had to be hospitalized and my normal vets aren't open all weekend. But he's in very good hands at Fulham Gardens, Alan is a total sweet heart too - I'm so blessed mine are just the best vets ever.

He's still on a drip but his temp was down a point, which is good, also all day he'd had cool (not cold of course) towels placed around him to help bring it down. And he's also on anti=biotics to bring the injection under control, which they suspect is a urinary infection, but will do even more tests once he's stabilized.

The wretched Cushings, which has been in remission for three and a half years, has reared it's ugly head again and that does interfere with the dog's normal immune system, which is why he's picked up an infection, so not sure now how it's all going to go.

On the way to Fulham Gardens Kylie rang me to let me know a little more, like the suspected urinary infection and that she'd rang Fulham to alert them I was coming. And when I thanked her and said how wonderful they all were she almost made me break down again by saying "We all love you, you so love and care for your dogs and they are so wonderful" - oh boy I almost lost it again. Yes had a wee cry at the vets, they're so understanding, didn't get mad and told me it was 'normal' to have a cry and not to apologize for crying, honestly I love them too.

Again the awful waiting, waiting, waiting, to see what exactly is going to happen. Poor Kylie is so upset, she's willing it to be something treatable. She'll call me on Monday, after Alan has made his assessments, and she's back on duty.

We can only wait at present and see how he reacts to everything. I know he's in wonderful hands, and will also know more tomorrow. He's booked in for two days but.....if he responds Alan may allow him home tomorrow...it's all a wait and see situation. But so far, it's not Cancer....which I am truly thankful for. And apart from the normal 'worry' about what it may be, I'm NOT worried about him being at the vets, as I know full well he couldn't be in kinder, safer hands than theirs. But wish I could stop crying so much, silly me!!! Don't won't to embarrass my boy, having a Mom as a watering spout - not a cool look.

And my little Leafy, who was left from early morning, until almost 7.30.pm. came up trumps. All she did was to create a Winter Wonderland, yep the insides of the cushion she likes were strewn all around, Panda was in the sitting room not the bedroom but completely unharmed (he's her 'comfort blanket) I didn't think to put her own soft toys down for her, naughty Mommy, so she found Panda. And just one very small wee. Not bad for seven month old puppy who's never been left so long alone before. She's missing her Big Bro though, keeps looking around for him.

Again, HUGE HUGS and THANK YOU all, don't know what I'd do without you. Hope it's all good news tomorrow or rather later on today And sorry if this posts a bit 'messy' having a headache, silly me, gotta stay strong for my boy, he's such a darling dog.

 

[MaryK]

Oh my gosh that's terrible!! Feel better Zeus!! Keep us posted!!

Thank you and Zeus says thank you too. Will keep you posted that's for sure.

 

[MaryK]

I'm so sorry Mary. I really really hope that Zeus is okay and he's just having a ruff day. Not sure if this will make you feel a little better, but you can obviously see Chase's spine though not his ribs, so maybe it's just how some dogs age lose weight. There are also days that Chase that does not eat, and he loves food too. Get Better Zeus!! Keep us updated on your sweet golden oldie. Hugs to you and Zeus.

Thank you Danielle, yes it does help knowing Chase's spine is also protruding. Hugs to you and Zeus sends his love and hugs too. I'm sure he'll be better soon, he's in such good hands.

 

[MaryK]

Oh goodness Mary! All fingers and paws crossed here that it's nothing. My springer's spine protruded when she got old too... and she was fat, so I don't think I'd be too worried about that... but not eating is a bit worrisome. ..

Thank you Sara It sure helps to know that your Springer's spine protruded, that's not happened to my dogs before, such a relief. His not eating though, that's just not good but now we know his temp is way up, and a possible urinary infection, could be the answer. I know I don't won't to eat when my temps up.

 

[MaryK]

Oh dear, I hope that Zeus is okay. Mudflap's spine is getting more prominent too as she ages, but she eats plenty and looks healthy. But I'd be concerned too about loss of appetite. Best of luck from our crew, and hugs to Zeus. Maybe he's decided to fast for some holiday we don't know about. Chin up.

Thank you and hugs from Zeus and I to you all. Another doggy with a prominent spine, it does make me feel so much better, knowing that's not a concern.

Well he does have a high temp, which is probably why he's not eating, but wouldn't surprise me if he had some 'secret doggy holiday' thrown in as well. Keeping my chin up, having you guys around sure helps so much.

 

[jackienmutts]

I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet boy. Please know we're all sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers his way. Please keep us posted!

 

[kassidybc]

I'll be praying for you and Zeus, so glad that so far it's not cancer! You're so blessed to have such wonderful vets, I'm glad Zeus is in such good hands!

 

[MaryK]

I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet boy. Please know we're all sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers his way. Please keep us posted!

Thank you Jackie I know all your positive thoughts and prayers are working, it's lovely to know my darling boy is so loved.

 

[MaryK]

I'll be praying for you and Zeus, so glad that so far it's not cancer! You're so blessed to have such wonderful vets, I'm glad Zeus is in such good hands!

Thank you, I know your prayers will be heard and answered. Yes, I sure am blessed with such wonderful vets.

 

[MaryK]

Quick update. Just rang the vets Zeus is doing well. Slept the night through and umm snored!!!!! Sounds like he had a much better nights sleep than I did - I couldn't really sleep much. They had just taken him out for a quick wee, he did a huge one, so obviously he's more hydrated now. But no breakfast They are going to do to more tests, which are best when 'nil by mouth' - Zeus will be looking for his tucker if he's improving - poor chap but it's all for the best.

Alan will ring me later today to let me know the medical side of it all. So going to take Leafy for walk, one young energetic puppy....no walk, training or play yesterday - she'll be bouncing off the walls!

 

[southerngirl]

Quick update. Just rang the vets Zeus is doing well. Slept the night through and umm snored!!!!! Sounds like he had a much better nights sleep than I did - I couldn't really sleep much. They had just taken him out for a quick wee, he did a huge one, so obviously he's more hydrated now. But no breakfast They are going to do to more tests, which are best when 'nil by mouth' - Zeus will be looking for his tucker if he's improving - poor chap but it's all for the best.

Alan will ring me later today to let me know the medical side of it all. So going to take Leafy for walk, one young energetic puppy....no walk, training or play yesterday - she'll be bouncing off the walls!

It's good that he sleep well, I just wish he had of eaten too. Praying for a fast recovery for Zeus.

Yes, I made that mistake on day with Piper. I had been cramped for homework than exhausted. Missy and Piper played half the night. Enjoy your walk. And when you have the time I would love to see some new pictures of Leaf.

 

[MaryK]

It's good that he sleep well, I just wish he had of eaten too. Praying for a fast recovery for Zeus.

Yes, I made that mistake on day with Piper. I had been cramped for homework than exhausted. Missy and Piper played half the night. Enjoy your walk. And when you have the time I would love to see some new pictures of Leaf.

Thank you Danielle, it's not looking good, I'll make a short post now, sorry am crying so hard.

 

[MaryK]

Oh I have photos of Leafy, will do then shortly.

My vet just rang and afraid it's not looking at all good. He's gone down hill again and also the chest xrays have shown a massive lump (how I HATE that word) right next to his heart. It may be an abcess or cancer (what type they could only know by a bioptic ultra sound). She's not even hopeful he'd make it through to Monday when all facilities, ultra sounds, scans etc. are available.

Both Robert and I have to go in at 4.30.p.m. this afternoon to discuss it with her together, she's already gone through it with me and as I said it's not good. He's got Cushings as most of you would know, which doesn't make it any easier, and also this mass if they did find it was on the 'positive' side an abcess, still doesn't make it much better as he's very weak and may not survive an operation. If it's cancer, no hope at all.

My choice, sadly, is what is best for Zeus. I have to put aside my own selfish thoughts, as I will NOT allow him to suffer at all, and what is best for him is what counts now.

Wish I had better news for you all. Love and Hugs and HUGE thanks you to everyone, you give me courage and strength as I know you all understand just how tough these times are and will not say ' oh it's just a dog'. Love you all. Must keep it together myself and of course, will let you all know the outcome.

 

[brody_smom]

Poor Mary! You've been on such a roller coaster with your fur babies these past couple of months. I wouldn't wish this on anyone. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your old boy.

 

[southerngirl]

I'm terribly sorry to hear that Zeus may have cancer. I can't imagine how hard this must be for you so close to losing sweet Rakins. I really hope that Zeus can pull through this.
and I totally agree it's not just a dog. Dogs bring so much joy, love and comfort into our lives, they teach us so much.