Sparky's Saga/Update #74

My normally bouncy boy seems to be "down in the dumps" and I don't know what to do for him. He's not sick - appetite is fine and he's always first in line for cookies - but he's just not himself.

He's always been a Mamma's Boy and doesn't like it when I leave, and probably has seperation anxiety to some degree, but when I return, he gives me attitude for a while, and then all is forgiven and the old Sparky is back.

Earlier this month I was on vacation for 12 days, but that didn't make too drastic a change in his life, since this is a 3 generation household as I live with my son, DIL, and grandson, so he had everyone here with him - just not me. When I got home, I noticed he seemed sad, but I figured it was the attitude again and he would get over it in a few days. It hasn't happened. He isn't clingy toward me (unless there is a thunder storm), and seems to keep more to himself than he ever did. However, when I go out for anything, he seems to stress.

Today I had some errands to run and was gone for less than 2 hours, and my son said after I left, that Sparky laid by the living room window (I have a bow window from ceiling to floor) and watched for me to come back. I just can't figure what's going on with him.

I've been gone plenty of times before - vacations - hospital stays - and he's always been fine after giving me a little attitude about me leaving him. This time, I just don't get what's going on with him.

He and Myndi go to the vet on Monday for their annual check up and shots, and I'm going to ask her about it.

Does anyone have any ideas? It makes me sad to see him sad! :(

Pomtzu- Do you think maybe if there were other dogs where you were that you brought back the scent on some of your clothes and it made Sparky anxious about another dog replacing him . Sounds weird that he would act like this after you've been back home for so long now, especially since he was at home with the rest of the family as you say. Maybe they get a bit more anxious as they age and it takes them longer to get over it. Hope he isn't coming down with something. Maybe try giving him extra attention for a few days to see what he does...poor thing, hope he gets back to normal soon.

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Originally Posted by Asiel

Pomtzu- Do you think maybe if there were other dogs where you were that you brought back the scent on some of your clothes and it made Sparky anxious about another dog replacing him

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That's a thought - I was at my brother's place for 12 days - and he has 2 dogs and 2 cats. But I was there last Fall too, and didn't get this kind of reaction from Sparky when I came home that time.

Another thought I had, was maybe he was traumatized by a thunder storm when he and Myndi were alone during the day when my son and DIL were at work. They said that there were a couple of afternoon storms before they got home from work. The past couple of years, Sparky has developed a fear of them, and wants to be in someone's lap when it's storming. We had a bad storm late last night, and he was under the comforter and snuggled up against me until it was over. Maybe it terrified him that there was no one to "protect" him during those afternoon storms.

I don't know! :confused: I'm grasping at straws at this point! :(

Gosh, don't you just wish they could TALK?!!

Sparky, what's up, pup? Mum's worried about cha! Hmm, maybe that is exactly what he wants! ;)

Hope he comes around soon.

I don't usually visit the dog side but I saw Sparky's name and I perked up. I don't have any thoughts on this other than to say that Sparky will be in my prayers, Ellie. Keep us posted. :love:

The thunderstorm idea might be your answer. If he was alone and is reacting to them in a more frantic way then mybe he fears that while you're away he'll be left alone during another one. Let us know how he does this week.......

We're back from our vet visit, and I have a "probable" answer to Sparky's issues.

Bad news first tho - he has a heart murmur - grade 2 on one side and grade 3 on the other. This came on rather suddenly, since when he was in, back in March, he was fine. He has no fluid, even tho he's been coughing a little. I don't know why I didn't pick up on that! :( He's on no meds, and I have to take him back to be checked in 6 months. I'm hoping he will do as well as Myndi - she was diagnosed with a stage 3 about a year and a half ago - doesn't take any meds - no fluid - and she has never coughed - and she was stable as of today.

So doc said that all this could be part of Sparky's depression - he probably doesn't feel as spunky and energetic, and that coupled with the separation anxiety and the fear of storms, all got dumped on him at once and overwhelmed him. Even tho Dr Annie says she's no psychologist, it would be her guess that it's probably his problem. So as long as he's not "sick" and is eating good and still likes to run around outside and play, then she feels it's nothing to worry about. Makes sense to me.

He's such a sweetheart and I love that little fuzz butt so much. So if I could ask my PT friends for a little prayer for Sparky - that he does well in spite of the heart murmur - and that he soon feels back to his ornery little self.

Thanks so much.

You got it, Ellie. Try not to worry too much about sweet Sparky. PT prayers work miracles, as you know. Keep the faythe. :love:

Praying for Sparky. Got the people fingers crossed, 2 dogs paws crossed and all the kitty paws crossed too!! The snakes would join in if they could!

I'm so sorry to hear this, Ellie. These little guys can work us over when things aren't right with them. I hope he continues to feel perky and eventually comes back to his old self. My thoughts and prayers are coming to you.

Sorry about the news Pomtzu. All makes sense now, probably just needs some extra rest. Keeping fingers crossed so he bounces back soon. Lavish extra love on the little guy so he'll perk up for you.

Prayers for Sparky?

Sure ... DONE!

Hopefully he'll perk back up and act like his name.

;)

Thank you for your prayers and well wishes. We're hoping for the best! :love:

You have my prayers that Sparky bounces right back!

I hope Sparky is feeling bouncy again in no time. Gatsby and Angel (who both have murmurs) send their best wishes and encouragement.

How's Sparky doing Pomtzu? Any change yet? Humans can live long lives with heart murmurs, hopefully dogs are the same.

He seems a little perkier - maybe the cooler weather is helping too - altho the heat never really bothered him much.

I'm hoping he'll do good - it's just that the heart murmur came on so suddenly that has me concerned - and his vet too. I just have to watch him more closely for a while, and if I notice any changes, then I have to take him in before he is due to go back in 6 months.

Myndi has never had a problem with hers, and no advancement from the time it was diagnosed, till now. She was diagnosed at level 3 and remains at level 3, with no fluid build up, no cough, no need for meds. She's a tough little cookie :love:,and I'm hoping Sparky will follow in big sister's footsteps. She's 13 and he's 10.

Probably will be fine. Maybe it will settle down after some rest and extra love and it won't bother him again for a long while. Aging sucks not only for us but for the furballs too....my fingers are still crossed, can't seem to straighten them out....lol. Joshing, I'm praying he'll show he can keep up with big sis.

Ellie, I just want you to know that I feel like I am in your shoes because I love your little ones too. It has to be so hard for you. I'm thinking about all of you daily and saying some prayers for all of you. Kisses to both of them from me please and hugs to you.:)

Terry - thank you so much. That really means so much to me. :love:

There was no noticeable change in Myndi, since it was the blood test that showed the thyroid issue had progressed. I'm thinking that the increased med will take care of that. We'll see with the next blood test in 6 months.

Sparky seems a little perkier, but not as much as I'd like him to be. I just have to keep a closer watch on him, but so far, he hasn't been coughing any more, so that's a good thing!

PT prayers do work wonders. :)

So how is our Sparky today? Any perkier?

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Originally Posted by Medusa

So how is our Sparky today? Any perkier?

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Thanks for asking Mary - he seems somewhat better. There's nothing wrong with that boy's appetite tho. I was sitting here eating a plate of diced up cantaloupe, so of course he had to have what I was eating. A piece for me - a piece for Sparky - a piece for me - and back and forth till it was gone. :D That was his dessert. :p Is he spoiled?? - of course not. :rolleyes:

Of course he's not spoiled--he was willing to let you have half of the cantaloupe. ;) My RB kitty Keke would not have been so generous, as "cataloupe" was one of her very favorite things.

So glad that Sparky is showing some improvement. Keep it up, little guy!

AARRGGHHHH - now he's limping - favoring his left front leg/paw. He started this last night. I've looked and prodded and can find nothing, and he doesn't yipe in pain when I do it, yet pulls that leg away from me.

He's testing me - I just know it!!! :rolleyes:

So I'll look more closely later to see if I can find anything, and if he's not better by Tuesday, I'll have to give his favorite doc a call. Maybe that's it - he just wants to go back to see Dr Annie - he loves her.:love:

What next, Ellie? Delilah and Daisy got a bath yesterday. Delilah has aggravated her old knee injury(she's too much like me). She's limping too. I just gave her a half of one of her pain pills.:(

Kisses to your two and I hope Sparky doesn't need a visit to the whitecoats.:(

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Originally Posted by Daisy and Delilah

What next, Ellie? Delilah and Daisy got a bath yesterday. Delilah has aggravated her old knee injury(she's too much like me). She's limping too. I just gave her a half of one of her pain pills.:(

Kisses to your two and I hope Sparky doesn't need a visit to the whitecoats.:(

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What next Terry?? - nothing I hope. If it was his back leg, then I would know it was his bad knee - but this is the front. :confused:

So my DIL held him from squirming and I did a thorough check. Checked the joints, checked his foot pads and between his toes - nothing. I thought maybe he had cut his foot outside or stepped on a wasp (we have those darned ones that burrow in the ground), or had something going on between his toes, or ripped a nail - but now I've come to the conclusion that he probably sprained his leg jumping up on or jumping off the bed. Don't know what else it could be at this point. I'll just watch and wait and see what happens.

Kids!!!!...........:p

Does he possibly have arthritis in that leg, Ellie? Delilah seems to be ok now. She rested it as much as she could and I see a big improvement. Thank goodness!! These youngins just can't stay still. They think they're still puppies.:eek:

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Originally Posted by Daisy and Delilah

Does he possibly have arthritis in that leg, Ellie? Delilah seems to be ok now. She rested it as much as she could and I see a big improvement. Thank goodness!! These youngins just can't stay still. They think they're still puppies.:eek:

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I don't know Terry - it came on pretty sudden. One minute he's racing me to see who gets to the door first, and a few hours later he's limping around.

He was walking on it pretty good last night and I thought it might be getting better. Today he doesn't even want to walk from one room to the next, and is just laying around looking dejected and won't even get up and come when I call him. I had to carry him up and down the outside steps because he wouldn't do it himself -and it's only 4 steps. I don't know if I should be encouraging him to walk on it, or if I should just let him rest it. I went out and got some baby aspirin - I gave him one and will give him another later tonight. I think a call to the whitecoats in the morning is a must at this point. I guess he just has me extra worried since he's never been sick!

I'm glad to hear that little Delilah is feeling better. Sending kisses to her and Daisy too! :love:

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Originally Posted by pomtzu

I don't know Terry - it came on pretty sudden. One minute he's racing me to see who gets to the door first, and a few hours later he's limping around.

He was walking on it pretty good last night and I thought it might be getting better. Today he doesn't even want to walk from one room to the next, and is just laying around looking dejected and won't even get up and come when I call him. I had to carry him up and down the outside steps because he wouldn't do it himself -and it's only 4 steps. I don't know if I should be encouraging him to walk on it, or if I should just let him rest it. I went out and got some baby aspirin - I gave him one and will give him another later tonight. I think a call to the whitecoats in the morning is a must at this point. I guess he just has me extra worried since he's never been sick!

I'm glad to hear that little Delilah is feeling better. Sending kisses to her and Daisy too! :love:

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Kisses delivered.:) Let us know how that little guy is doing today, Ellie. His injury is identical to what happens to Delilah. She aggravated her old injury. I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers today.

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Originally Posted by Daisy and Delilah

Kisses delivered.:) Let us know how that little guy is doing today, Ellie. His injury is identical to what happens to Delilah. She aggravated her old injury. I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers today.

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Terry - if I didn't know better - I'd swear he is playing head games with me. I'm not amused! This morning he's walking around like nothing happened yesterday and over the weekend. He's not exactly racing me to the door, but he's moving around and not just laying in one spot, jumped down off the bed, went up and down the steps by himself, no limping - so go figure. I don't think just a couple of doses of aspirin would make him miraculously better, but who knows??:rolleyes: I gave him another this morning for good measure and will keep an eye on him, but for now anyway, I guess he got out of a trip to the whitecoats.

Maybe those little pieces of chicken he got last night helped??? :rolleyes: :D He loves chicken cooked on the grill. :p

I'm sorry there's been a problem with Sparky, Ellie, I hadn't seen this thread. I hope he just had something a bit inflamed and the aspirin brought it under control. Sending good thoughts and prayers to the little guy! :love:

Maggie

Don't be surprised if the sympathy act comes out again when he starts thinking of chicken.;) I'm so glad to hear he's better. :)

Thank you all for your concern. :love:

I'm so relieved that he's feeling better. I just wish I knew what his problem was in the first place. :confused:

If he could just talk.............:)

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Originally Posted by pomtzu

Thank you all for your concern. :love:

I'm so relieved that he's feeling better. I just wish I knew what his problem was in the first place. :confused:

If he could just talk.............:)

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I can't count the times I've wished they could talk. It would be so darn convenient wouldn't it??:confused: :D

Did I say he was doing better?? - no more limping?? Make that past tense. :(

He started limping a little again yesterday - more today - doesn't want to do the steps - just wants to lay around. I had cut back the aspirin to one a day, so guess I'll go back to two.

I'm thinking arthritis - he's the stiffest in the morning, and by the end of the day, seems more mobile. Yesterday was chilly and damp, and today it's pouring rain and chilly - not the best conditions for an arthritic. And as before - that's just a guess.

I'll call doc later, see if I can get him in on Monday, or if she has any ideas without seeing him.

Sorry I didn't notice your post before Pomtzu. It would sound like he's playing mind games with you but we all now they won't do that...will they?...
I think you're right about getting him checked out. I'm wondering if this could be tied in with the heart murmur? Did the vet say it was causing him any kind of discomfort, it doesn't usually but who knows with dogs.
Yes, I think one dose of aspirin could make a difference. My dog had a bit of a strenuous time Sunday and I noticed he was in a lot of pain after we got home so I decided to give him a dose of Metacam and in an hour he was his old self again. He hasn't needed any since but he just goes for daily walks as usual . Let me know how he's doing when you get some news from your vet, sure hope it's nothing serious. Does his leg feel warm to the touch?

Ellie, I sure hope you figure out what's going on soon. I know it must be heartbreaking when this starts again. Keep us posted. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Feel better Sparky!!!! We're rooting for you , Little Buddy!!

I started him back on more aspirin yesterday, but no change for the better yet. I couldn't get in touch with his vet yesterday. We had torrential rain all day and it must have affected the phone lines. My internet went out in the a.m. and was down all day, and I was getting only about half of my cable channels.

He still doesn't want to move around, etc, but this time he's going to the vet, regardless if he's doing better or not. I'll call her first thing Monday and hope she'll be able to see him right away. She knows I don't cry wolf, so I probably won't have a problem.

Sparky does sound like he has an underlying problem. Glad he'll be going to the vet's on Monday. I'll keep my fingers crossed that nothing serious is happening with him, I know how much those little fur friends mean to you.

Oh I hope you get a good vet report, Ellie. How worrisome this must be for you. I'll keep you both in my prayers. Keep the faythe. :love: