Casey - Aging - Need Support - UPDATE :-)

**Alysser** · 08-13-2009, 03:25 PM

You have my support, I went through this 2 years ago, with Sassy. She was 10, we did everything we could for the arthritis but it stopped helping, acupuncture, medication...nothing worked after a year. It was the hardest thing I ever had to go through. She peed in her cage everyday until the end, and I could tell she was embarrased and absolutely miserable. "the decision" was probably the most selfless thing I've ever done.

If she still seems happy, then you're fine for now. She's getting older, her joints probably get a little stiff. I would discuss all this including arthritis, piddling, etc. with your vet. Even if arthritis is not in the picture, it seems her joints are a little stiff. I am sure he can give you some ideas on how to help her. I took Sassy for alot of walks going through this time and it did help quite a bit. Don't start thinking about when it will be her time yet, whenever it is you will know, trust me.

Just live in the moment and enjoy the time you have left with her.

**happylabs** · 08-13-2009, 07:54 PM

Thanks everybody.

I am taking her to the vet tomorrow morning. There are several options which could be causing the accidents. She was diagnosed with a bladder tumor several years ago and has been on Piroxicam to shrink it and keep it shrunk. Up until this point she has had no more issues with her bladder. However, the tumor could have come back so they are going to do an ultrasound tomorrow. Also it could be caused by estrogen levels being too low and they can medicate her for that.

I had this great idea to keep her from being in the carpeted part of my house today. I moved my couch so it was covering the entrance to my living room but facing the kitchen/dining room area so still would be able to jump up on the couch and sleep while I was at work. I didn't think she could get past the couch but the one end must have had a big enough area for her to jump through. Somehow she did get past the couch. She has always been tough to confine to a specific area. She likes the run of "her" house. So, I have to work on that problem some more. If I could keep her confined to the part of the house that is just ceramic tile it would be so much easier to clean up.

I'll update tomorrow after her vet visit.

***LabLoverKEB*** · 08-13-2009, 08:52 PM

I know exactly how you feel, my friend. My black Labby girl, Sadie May, turned 13 in april. I am dreading the day that I am without her. I have had Sadie since she was 8 weeks old, and since I was 6 years old, I am 19 now.

She is my BEST friend, and always will be. I swear they are going to have to sedate me the day she leaves. I don't know WHAT I am going to do without my childhood friend.

Please give beautiful Casey girl all my love- she sounds/looks like a very very sweet girl.

**Louie and me** · 08-14-2009, 09:08 AM

My heart bleeds for you. Louie is now 14 years old. He can no longer jump on the bed and has problems with stairs. He is taking pain killers and anti inflammatories. He is quite lame in one front leg due to arthritis, has lost a lot of muscle control in his back end and is becoming quite picky about eating. Just when my husband and I begin to fear the worst, he suddenly bounces back and wants to play and insists on going for a longer walk. All I can recommend is that you take each day at a time and enjoy the good ones. Try to make sure Casey is comfortable and pain free as much as you can.

**happylabs** · 08-14-2009, 12:33 PM

Good news! Casey's vet did an ultrasound and her bladder looks very good. There is no more sign of the thickening or growth that she had 2 years ago. He was very pleased. She does, however, have a bladder infection which is most likely causing her weakened bladder. He put her on an antibiotic for 2 weeks. He said I should see an improvement in about 3 days. I love Dr. Broskevitch! He is such a nice man, caring and intelligent to boot. I always feel so much better after talking to him.

I wore Casey's kerchief on her to the vet's office that says "The Cat Did It". They all got a kick out of that.

Thanks everyone for your support. I don't know what I would do without my PT friends!