Originally Posted by
Freedom
My RB Marlin had this. Marlin would walk in to a corner and get stuck, and whine, fuss and howl until we went and turned him around. He was not able to figure out how to get out of the corner.
Marlin also forgot how to let us know he had to go out, or come in. You will need to get on a schedule, say every 4 hours? To let him out. And of course, someone must stay near him, and decide when it is time for him to come in.
I did not spend the money on learning if it was a brain tumor, nor x rays looking for a tumor, as the result was the same; there is not cure, just keep him comfortable.
You mentioned he is disoriented when he awakens. Perhaps touching him, stroking him, holding him will help. HOWEVER you also need to be cautious, as he may not recognize you and could snap / bite. Talk to him in low tones.
Marlin was alright on walks if he was bumping up next to my leg the whole time. He felt safe with ME, even though he did not know where he was. Over time, he forgot how to walk, same as humans with dementia. So it would take a good 7 minutes to get him moving. Once started, he kept going, which was good. Marlin had always been one who HAD to move and have exercise to keep his bowels moving and prevent constipation, so I had to walk him separately the last 8 months or so (I had 5 dogs at the time).
You will need to monitor his food and water intake. And see that he is always on a soft bed; he may not know and will lie down on a hard floor, then be uncomfortable but not know why, or what to do about it.
Marlin walked and paced a LOT. Then he started moving in circles, which my vet said was a sign he was nearing the end. Once he started uncontrolled vocalizing, it was time. Up to then, Marlin did not seem in pain, and he did not have the extreme anxiety you describe, so I felt his quality of life was ok.
At the same time this was happening, I was caring for my Dad who has dementia; the 2 of them progressed along similar lines, it was amazing to see! The hard part was when both needed to go to the bathroom at the same time, and neither knew WHERE to go. Dad's bathroom is the opposite direction to the door out back for Marlin. I often wonder now, how I ever managed.
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