Dog Community

I never do this, but good thoughts for Nikki please (Mom's dog)

Posted : 4/20/2010 7:09:33 AM

My Mom's little shih tzu turned 15 in February and up until yesterday has been peppy, full of loveable 'tude and as ditsy as ever. I was talking to my Mom yesterday and she's is really worried. Something is simply not right with Nikki. She was having accidents in the house, while my Mom was there. Even when she had terrible UTIs, if someone was home she told them she had to go. Even when we brought her home at 6 mos. she wouldn't have an accident in the house.

She was walking painfully around the house, very very slow like. This from a dog who I just saw a few weeks ago who I had to walk very quickly/JOG to keep up with on a walk. Now the vet DID say several months ago she has mild arthritis, but it's never given her anymore trouble than a bit of stiffness in the morning, that quickly dissipated. Mom said it almost looked like Nikki was a bit confused. Sporadically, Nikki was also shivering. It wasn't cold out yesterday, in fact it was Nikki's preferred temperature. Cool, lots of sun but not too warm (she never liked the heat).

My Mom made a vet appointment for today, so I'm hoping this is just something simple. I know she's up there in age, but she's always been so peppy and a zest for life. PLUS, she's my Mom's baby and I know this is upsetting her greatly.

3girls

Posted : 4/20/2010 7:17:39 AM

Lots of healing vibes for Nikki coming your way!!

calliecritturs

Posted : 4/20/2010 7:30:31 AM

With an older dog any infection can really throw them for a loop -- a dog who in their younger years could have a UTI and function well, in an elderly animal it can produce exactly what you're saying -- suddenly they're just not right all over.

You might suggest to have your Mom make sure they culture the urine -- it's not always a thing they look for but if she'd had them before it would be a darned smart thing to check now.

After Ms. Kee, I'm convinced that a lot of senior animals are pts before their time just because they have a uti that isn't caught and they suddenly act super old and infirm.

I also have a ton of stuff on arthritis, so if you want it for your Mom let me know.

iluvjamison

Posted : 4/20/2010 7:52:11 AM

Good thoughts going out for Nikki, your Mom and you.

Deb W.

the_gopher

Posted : 4/20/2010 8:03:26 AM

Yeah, we are both hoping this is just another UTI. She'll get a culture done, already told her too :) Plus, I'm sure the vet will run it anyway, I believe they did a culture the last time she had a UTI. She's been having frequent UTI issues, since getting up there in age. The mom's already changed her diet, but any other suggestions on preventing them would be great (if a UTI is indeed what this is).

Anything you have on arthritis would be great. It hasn't bothered her much, but anything to keep it from becoming bothersome would be great.

My Mom will do anything to avoid putting Nikki down. She won't keep her around for selfish reasons, if she's truly suffering. But, if its something she can treat and Nikki can get back to the quality of life she had before, she'll do what it takes. My Mom is truly a dog person.

Ugh, this is just sucky. Nikki is such a great dog and I hate knowing she's not feeling well. It's bad enough her hearing is going, as well as her vision, but now to feel yucky all over is just not right. I gave Ari a big hug yesterday and told her she wasn't allowed to grow old on me =/

JackieG

Posted : 4/20/2010 9:27:13 AM

Good vibes going out for Nikki.

BEVOLASVEGAS

Posted : 4/20/2010 11:48:11 AM

We're sending good thoughts to Nikki!

gradyupmybutt

Posted : 4/20/2010 9:20:35 PM

Good vibes for Miss Nikki from me & da boyz.

the_gopher

Posted : 4/21/2010 7:35:55 AM

Thanks everyone so much, my Mom and I appreciate it! Vet results are in, Lyme disease and a UTI. No wonder she was feeling icky! They're treating both and hopefully she'll respond quickly to the medication. Poor girl. She had a fever as well. The Mom is currently doing whatever she can to make Nikki comfortable and we're hoping she'll bounce back quickly, and be back to her normal, ditsy self soon. In the meantime, she's getting extra cuddles from the Mom.